Residents of the former Harrogate district are being advised of significant changes to the housing allocation system. Starting April 10, 2025, the area will join the North Yorkshire Home Choice scheme, which already operates in Craven and other former districts, making it county-wide.
Residents with existing social housing applications in the former Harrogate district must re-apply by July 10, 2025, to maintain their accumulated time on the list. The new scheme allows applicants to express interest in properties as they become available, replacing the old points system. Successful bidders who turn down two properties will be frozen out of the system for 12 months and must re-apply.
North Yorkshire Council will prioritise emergency allocations, such as for those in unsuitable properties in terms of access or those ready for hospital discharge. The new system includes three bandings (gold, silver, bronze) for shortlisting bids, with tiebreakers based on debt, time on the system, and bedroom need.
These changes aim to streamline the housing allocation process and put choice in the hands of residents.
Commenting, Skipton and Ripon MP Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE - whose constituency covers parts of the former Harrogate District - said, “It is crucial that affected constituents re-apply by the deadline to ensure their applications are up-to-date and to maintain their accumulated time on the list. I encourage those affected to visit the North Yorkshire Home Choice website for further information and to ensure their applications are re-registered promptly.”
The North Yorkshire Home Choice Website can be found here: https://www.northyorkshirehomechoice.org.uk/.
The council is in the process of contacting all affected residents directly. A paper application form is available for those not online, and this can be requested from North Yorkshire Council by phone on 0300 131 2131.