Reasonable Preference in Scottish Social Housing

DescriptionThe report presents findings of research undertaken to assess the usefulness of reasonable preference categories in determining housing allocation. The research examined reasonable preference categories and the way these are interpreted and used in practice.
ISBN978 178045 2722
Official Print Publication DateJuly 2011
Website Publication DateJuly 08, 2011

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Joanne Bretherton and Nicholas Pleace, Centre for Housing Policy, University of York

ISBN 978 1 78045 272 2 (Web only publication)
DPPAS 11808

This document is also available in pdf format (328k)

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

SUMMARY

1 INTRODUCTION
About this report
About the research
An overview of reasonable preference
An overview of social housing

2 REASONABLE PREFERENCE IN THE DESIGN OF ALLOCATION AND LETTINGS STRATEGIES
Introduction
The influence of reasonable preference on allocations strategies
The role of reasonable preference in the design of allocation strategies

3 REASONABLE PREFERENCE WITHIN ALLOCATION AND LETTING SYSTEMS
Introduction
Living below the tolerable standard
Interpretation
Use in allocations and lettings systems
Data collection
Overcrowding
Interpretation
Use in allocations and lettings systems
Data collection
Large families
Interpretation
Use in allocations and lettings systems
Data collection
Unsatisfactory housing conditions
Interpretation
Use in allocations and lettings systems
Data collection
Homelessness
Interpretation
Use in allocations and lettings systems
Data collection
Responding to the needs of households in two or more reasonable preference categories
Secondary criteria and reasonable preference
Reasonable preference in the operation of allocations and lettings systems

4 VIEWS ON MODIFYING REASONABLE PREFERENCE
Introduction
Amending the existing reasonable preference categories
Overcrowding and the tolerable standard
Unsatisfactory housing conditions
Homelessness
Adding to the reasonable preference categories
Housing need related to health care needs
Affordability
Sustaining and balancing communities (local lettings plans and local connection)
Overall views on the case for reforming reasonable preference
Changes to reasonable preference

5 CONCLUSIONS
Introduction
Reasonable preference as a framework encouraging good practice
Making the case for retention and reform
Improving national level data on social housing allocations and lets

APPENDIX 1: RESEARCH METHODS

The views expressed in this report are those of the researcher and
do not necessarily represent those of the Department or Scottish Ministers.

This report is available on the Scottish Government Social Research website only
www.scotland.gov.uk/socialresearch.

Page updated: Monday, July 11, 2011