DRASTIC changes are being made to how residents can access social housing across Warrington to ensure people with the 'highest level of need' find homes quicker.

Following a public consultation, the changes to the housing allocations policy were approved by the council's executive board in April last year.

And following months of work from housing staff behind the scenes, Under One Roof will begin operating from March 15.

It will replace the choice-based lettings system Choose a Home, which currently has 3,200 members.

The council said the changes are down to the increase in demand for social housing, as well as 'the need to make it as simple as possible for those with the greatest need for housing to get a home'.

Applicants will be matched to properties in their preferred areas, depending on availability, and based on information they have provided about their circumstances.

But they will no longer be able to see available homes or express an interest in them.

Housing need will also be determined by two bands.

Band one will be for people with an 'urgent housing need', with band two for people over 18 who meet the eligibility criteria but have 'no housing need'.

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, executive board member responsible for housing, said: "Every council in the country has a housing allocations policy.

"This explains how people can access homes owned by social landlords.

"In most parts of the country there are fewer homes available than people need – and Warrington is no different.

"The Under One Roof system aims to mitigate this by supporting those people with the greatest housing need, matching members with properties based upon their circumstances.

"This is about making sure the people with the highest level of need get housed quickly and reducing delays in the system.

"It is in line with our pledge to protect the most vulnerable."

Torus will be running the scheme on behalf of the council

Under One Roof will have available homes from Muir Group, Your Housing Group, Warrington Housing Association, Plus Dane, Sanctuary Housing, Clarion Housing Group, Helena Homes and Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT).

Between last April and this month, February, Choose a Home advertised more than 930 properties.

Just over 650 of those homes are owned by GGHT, with the rest to the other registered providers with homes in Warrington.

Going forward, 75 per cent of GGHT’s empty homes will continue to be allocated through Under One Roof.

The other registered providers will offer up to 50 per cent of their vacant stock to Under One Roof.

All current Choose a Home members are being informed about the changes in writing.

For more information visit chooseahomeischanging.co.uk or U-1-R.co.uk.