Social Housing Demand

Homefinder Somerset housing register

Homefinder Somerset is a partnership of local authorities and housing associations working together to make the process of finding a home simple and transparent for all applicants across Somerset. Anyone over the age of 16 and not subject to immigration control, seeking social housing anywhere in Somerset can apply. Depending on their circumstances applicants are placed into one of four bands: Gold, Silver, Bronze, or in a very small number of cases an Emergency band. The criteria against which applications are assessed is published on the Homefinder Somerset website.

A snapshot of the housing register on 31 March 2017 indicates a total of 8,230 applicants. The great majority of applicants require a one or two bedroom property.

Table 1: Applicants by minimum number of bedrooms required (snapshot as at 31/03/17)

At at 31 March 2017, a total of 557 applicants on the housing register were categorised as being in high need (Gold Band), representing 7% of the housing register. Reasons for applicants being placed in Gold Band include homelessness, overcrowding, being a care leaver, high medical needs or being a victim of harassment.

Table 2: Applicants by Band (as at 31/03/17)

Almost half (48%) of applicants in Gold Band require a one bedroom property. A further 30% require a two bedroom property.  See Table 3, below.

Table 3: Gold Band applicants by minimum number of bedrooms required (as at 31/03/17)

For information on properties offered and accepted by people on the Homefinder register, see: Meeting Social Housing Demand