Study title

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The purpose of this study was to collect information from Local Authority Housing Departments about current practices with regard to the administration of council house allocation schemes.Main Topics:Variables Whether Metropolitan area, controlling political party, size of authority, size of public housing sector, number of initial allocations and transfers for last full year, current length of waiting list, type of system for allocations and transfers, whether system is available to the public, whether information is publicly displayed, number of properties allocated to people on general waiting list last year, whether some groups were given a proportion of available stock and which (e.g. medical cases, elderly, homelessness etc). Whether groups treated in priority order and how, whether this information is available to public/ publicly displayed, whether list of proposed lettings/actual lettings is published and to whom available. Whether length of waiting list and expected allocation date disclosed to applicant, whether action within system possible to improve chance of re-housing, whether this information is made available. Whether system exists for special individual cases to receive priority treatment, if so - which cases and whether publicised, whether special cases are decided by a committee. Whether applicant is visited by employee of housing department prior to allocation, whether observations are made on suitability of applicant, who normally makes allocations. Grievance procedures: Effect of refusal of accommodation on applicants future chances, whether this information is given, procedure for contesting decisions, complaints procedure regarding transfers and allocations, whether records are kept, number of complaints reaching committee stage last year. Policy formulation: When last review of allocations/transfers schemes took place, how conducted, whether results were made public,...