Proposed changes to Moray's council house points scheme may help domestic abuse survivors
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
People experiencing domestic abuse could soon find it easier to get a council home in Moray.
Several changes to the local authority’s allocations policy are being proposed.
These include awarding those living with a violent partner 500 points towards their housing application.
Another proposal would see those taking part in a tenant incentive scheme to downsize benefit from the same amount of points towards moving.
Key workers coming to Moray to help struggling services could get a secure tenancy from six to 12 months, and receive 400 points.
While those who provide or receive care could get 150 points towards their application.
The last review of the council’s housing allocations policy was carried out in 2019.
It's thought the proposed changes would benefit about 250 people already on the local authority’s waiting list for a house.
At the moment there are around 3500 people on the council’s waiting list.
However, only around 500 tenancies are granted each year.
The greatest demand is for larger properties.
In 2022/23 saw 32 applications for every four-bedroom property let, and 64 applications for every five-bedroom property.
Moray Council's housing committee will discuss the changes at a meeting on Tuesday.
In her report senior housing officer Gillian Henly writes: “The amendments will make minor but crucial changes to the allocations policy, which will have a positive impact on those with the greatest housing need and enable the council to continue to make best use of its housing stock."
