London borough facing judicial review challenge over revised housing allocations scheme

The claim is being brought on behalf of a member of Housing Action Southwark and Lambeth (HASL), a campaign organisation which warned that the London borough's newly approved scheme will “aggravate already dire conditions for some households”.

HASL also argued that changes in Southwark’s new allocations scheme will see homeless households “deprioritised and pushed down the waiting list, including the removal of additional priority for homeless households”.

The campaign group meanwhile clamed that new bedroom rules might require same-sex siblings to share a bedroom until they are 21, rather than 16.

It also suggested that a greater reliance on Annual and Local Lettings Plans will make it “harder for residents to understand how homes are allocated or how their housing needs are prioritised”.

HASL warned that the new scheme “risks worsening overcrowding and pushing homeless families and households with severe medical needs further down the waiting list”.

The group also accused the council of failing to meaningfully engage with residents, properly consider their responses or address language barriers.

PILC Solicitor Adriana Matrigiani said: “Thousands on Southwark’s housing register spend years waiting to be allocated permanent housing. They all deserve to have a fair say in decisions about their homes. This challenge seeks to hold the douncil to account for how it makes those decisions and supports wider campaigning efforts to tackle the housing crisis.”

Liz Wyatt, organiser with HASL, said: “The new housing allocations policy will be with us for the next decade. The housing waiting list rules are life-changing for Southwark residents and can determine whether people will get a permanent social home in 1-2 years or a decade.

“The new rules being implemented right now mean that homeless families and disabled people in unsafe housing will face even longer in intolerable housing conditions. The chaotic new rules will also cause even deeper distrust, confusion, and suspicion of how social homes are allocated.”

Cllr Reginald Popoola, Southwark’s Executive Member for Council Homes and Homelessness, said: "Our new Housing Allocations Scheme was developed following extensive consultation and aims to ensure that available council housing is allocated as fairly and transparently as possible. It includes stronger support for some of the borough's most vulnerable residents, including care leavers and people fleeing domestic abuse.

“Southwark is facing a housing crisis, with more than 22,000 households currently on the housing waiting list, including more than 4,200 households living in temporary accommodation. With demand for council housing significantly exceeding supply, we are committed to tackling the housing crisis ensuring that the limited number of available council homes are allocated to those in the greatest housing need.

“Southwark Council is aware that a Judicial Review claim has been brought in relation to the scheme and will respond to the claim.”

Harry Rodd