West Northamptonshire Council has approved a new housing policy designed to prioritise residents with the most urgent needs following a significant surge in demand for social accommodation. The updated rules, which follow a public consultation held earlier this year, aim to make the allocation process clearer and more consistent for the community.
According to West Northamptonshire Council, the move comes as the authority deals with a 77 per cent year-on-year increase in housing register applications, with 13,317 received between April 2024 and March 2026. During this period, more than 2,300 active cases were recorded as of March 2026. On average, the council handles 555 new applications each month.
Under the revised policy, applicants must now meet stricter local connection requirements, proving residency or employment within the area. New income limits have also been set for those joining the housing register: £40,000 for single applicants, £50,000 for single parents, and £60,000 for couples. Additionally, any resident who turns down two suitable accommodation offers within a 12-month period will be disqualified from the register for one year.
The council is reserving its highest priority status, known as Band A, for those in the most desperate situations. This includes residents facing emergency medical needs, those being discharged from hospital without housing, individuals at serious risk of harm such as domestic abuse survivors, and those suffering from severe overcrowding. Armed forces personnel with urgent needs and care leavers are also included in this top priority category. Conversely, homeless applicants not classified as being in priority need will be moved to lower priority bands.
To help address the ongoing pressure on local housing, the council is moving forward with developments at Harlestone Road, Ecton Brook, and Buckton Fields. These projects are intended to increase the total supply of affordable homes for the community in the coming years.
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