From 1 April 2024 Harlow Council is changing its Housing Allocations Scheme (Allocations policy). The changes are focussed on ensuring that the way we allocate social housing is as fair as possible on those most in housing need. For existing housing need applicants, we will be carrying out a phased implementation of the new policy between 1 April and 1 October 2024.
You do not need to contact the Council direct; we will keep you informed as the changes are implemented.
Please keep an eye out for details posted on social media and the councils website by visiting www.harlow.gov.uk
Harlow Homefinder
Harlow Homefinder is the lettings scheme for council and housing association homes in Harlow, giving you more choice about where you want to live.
You can use Harlow Homefinder if you are an existing tenant seeking a transfer or a homeseeker applying for the first time. The scheme covers all the available council and housing association homes, including sheltered housing.
You need to log in with your Harlow Homefinder number before you can see the property adverts and place your bids.
The Housing Allocations Scheme document is available here
Housing Allocations Scheme (Allocations Policy)...
Register for the new council housing system
If you are currently on the Housing Needs Register, you will need to register your details on this new system in order to remain on register.
You will be able to register your details from 4 November 2024.
How to register
To register, you will need:
• your bidding number
• proof of ID for you and your family.
• proof you live in Harlow and have done for the last 7 years
• proof of income
If you are over 65 years old and require supported or sheltered housing in Harlow, you will need:
• proof of ID
• proof a family member lives in Harlow
As from 4 November 2024 you can register your details on the new system Harlow Allocations...
Do not worry if you start completing the registration and do not have documents to hand, you can save your progress and come back later to complete.
You do not need to complete the medical section on the new system yet, we will use the medical details and priority we already hold and we will update this for you.
After you’ve registered
Once you have registered your details, we will review them in line with the new housing allocations policy.
You will not lose any waiting time if you remain on the register.
Whilst the process of applying for housing is changing, the bidding process will not change yet. You should continue to bid for properties through Harlow Homefinder.
Shortlisting Verification
It is important that you are able to provide information to the Housing Options & Advice team should you be shortlisted for a possible offer of accommodation from the Housing Needs Register.
You will only have 24 Hours (excluding weekends & bank holidays) to provide the requested documents or you may be bypassed for an offer.
Please follow this link that will give you guidance on what information you may be asked to provide: Harlow Housing Allocation - shortlisting verification process...
The Bidding Cycle
The weekly cycle starts 9.30am every Thursday and bidding closes in the early hours every Tuesday morning. (Bidding closes at 1.00 am every Tuesday)
As long as you have registered with Harlow Homefinder and have an active application you will have three bids to use every week between Thursday morning and the following Monday night / Tuesday morning.
If you require any help with the system or the bidding process, please ask a member of the Contact Harlow team at Harlow's Civic Centre or telephone 01279 446655.
Did you know that even if you place a bid for accommodation your bid may not be accepted? The reasons are below:
- You have not supplied the information requested to support your application. i.e. identification, proof of address, immigration status etc
- Where there is evidence of false information being provided.
Are you are an existing or former Council or Housing Association Tenant? The Council will not accept a bid for accommodation in the following circumstances:- Where a debt is owed as a former or current tenant in the social housing sector.
- If your home is not considered to be in a satisfactory condition by the Landlord. (These standards will be detailed in your signed tenancy agreement)
- There is an outstanding tenancy issue.
The Council reserves the right to withdraw any offer of accommodation where there is just cause.
If you think you may not be able to bid because these exclusions apply to you and you would like further detailed information, please telephone Contact Harlow on 01279 446655 or attend the Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow Essex, CM20 1WG where a Customer Service Advisor will be happy to assist.
Supported Housing
Supported Housing is available as self contained (sheltered) accommodation for older people who want to live independently whilst having the added security of knowing that assistance is available 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year. Supported Housing Schemes have pull cords in every room of the property and a smoke detector installed which are all linked to the alarm system. In addition, body worn pendants can be provided to tenants who are unable to reach their pull cords or have been assessed as needing one as part of their support plan.
For details of how you can apply and of the schemes available please follow this link Supported Housing...
Should you require assistance to apply please contact an Advisor at Contact Harlow.
Sumners Farm Close - Independent Living Supported Housing Scheme
Sumner’s Farm Close is an independent living supported housing scheme. This is similar to other supported housing schemes throughout the town, but with the benefit of additional support services for frailer tenants, who are in need of care and support, to enable them to continue to live independently within the community.
There is a 24 hour on site care provider, who in addition to delivering planned care for individual tenants, will also support all tenants in the event of an emergency or sudden illness
Facilities available at Sumners Farm includes a communal lounge and dining area, with the provision of an optional midday meal.
The criteria required for Sumners Farm Close:
• Is aged 65 or over
• Has an identified medical, social or support need to enable the individual to continue to live independently
• In receipt of a minimum of 6 hours of personal care per week, or confirmation that a care package will commence at the start of the tenancy.
Harlow Council
Civic Centre,
The Water Gardens,
Harlow,
Essex. CM20 1WG
Tel: 01279 446655
www.harlow.gov.uk
Data Sharing and the Prevention and Detection of Fraud
Harlow Council is required by law to protect the public funds it administers. It may share information provided to it with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds, in order to prevent and detect fraud. The Audit Commission appoints the auditor to audit the accounts of this authority. It is also responsible for carrying out data matching exercises. For more information please follow this link Data matching and data sharing...