Simple Allocations and Lettings Policy (Multiple Languages)

Allocations and Lettings Policy — Easy Read

This is a simple version of the Beacon Cymru Group’s policy on allocating and letting homes.

It tells you:

• Who can apply for a Beacon home
• How we choose who gets a home
• What you can expect during the process

Purpose of This Policy

This policy explains how we:

• Decide who can apply for Beacon homes
• Decide who gets offered a home
• Match the right home to the right person

There are more people wanting homes than we have available. We aim to make decisions that are:

• Clear
• Fair
• Honest
• Respectful

What Matters to People

People have told us the following are important:

• The home matches their needs
• They have time and support to move
• Beacon understands their situation
• The home is in good condition
• Their information is kept up to date

These views guide how we allocate homes.

Who Can Apply for a Beacon Home?

To apply for a home with Beacon, you must:

• Be entitled to public housing in the UK
• Need housing
• Not be able to afford buying a home

Some people cannot apply, such as:

• People with lots of savings or who already own a home*
• People who give false information

*Unless they are applying for housing for those aged 55 and over, which includes retirement or sheltered housing. Each application will be assessed individually.

How the Lettings Process Works

The process has three main steps:

Apply

You can apply by phone, online, or by visiting our office. We will discuss:

• Your current home
• Who lives with you
• Your income and needs

Assessment

We may:

• Visit you at home or another safe place, if needed
• Ask for documents
• Do checks (with your permission)

This helps us understand your situation, check if you can apply, and find the best match for you and the community.

Allocation

If a home is available and you are the best match:

• You will be invited to view it
• We will explain any work needed on the home
• You can ask questions

We try to respect your preferences about area, property type, and size.

When an Offer May Not Go Ahead

We might stop an application if:

• There is missing or false information
• The home does not match your needs
• Offers are refused without a good reason

If you refuse two reasonable housing offers, we usually pause further applications.

How We Decide Who Gets a Home

We consider:

• Your housing need
• Who lives with you and how many people there are
• The size and type of the home
• Your income and what you can afford
• The local community

We aim for the best match for you and your neighbours.

Different Types of Housing

Some homes have extra rules, like:

• Homes for people aged 55 and over
• Supported housing
• Extra Care housing
• City Living homes
• Temporary accommodation

Each type has its own process. We will explain this clearly if it applies to you.

Support and Exceptional Cases

Some people need extra help. We will look at exceptional cases individually, such as:

• Serious health or safety risks
• High risk of harm
• Domestic abuse
• No access to basic facilities

Equality and Fairness

We treat everyone fairly and do not discriminate based on:

• Age
• Disability
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Gender reassignment
• Pregnancy or maternity
• Marriage or civil partnership

We try to remove barriers and meet different needs.

Protecting Your Information and Privacy

We keep your personal information safe by:

• Only collecting what we need
• Asking before sharing information
• Following data protection laws

Welsh Language

You can talk to us in Welsh or English. Please tell us your preference.

Complaints and Appeals

If you disagree with a decision, feel treated unfairly, or are unhappy with the service, you can:

• Ask for a review
• Make a complaint using our Complaints Policy

We will listen and respond fairly.

Monitoring

We review our lettings decisions to:

• Make sure the process is fair
• Learn and improve
• Meet legal requirements

Need Help?

If you’re unsure about anything in this document, a member of our team can explain it to you. Contact us at 01792 479200 or [email protected].