Southwark Council proposes siblings share rooms until 20

Southwark Council has put forward new housing allocation rules that could require same-sex siblings to share bedrooms until they are 20 years old. The proposals also include a new fifth housing band, Band E, which is unlikely to lead to a housing offer for those placed within it. These changes are part of an effort to rebuild confidence in the council's allocation of its limited social housing stock.

Context of Housing Pressures

The council states that the introduction of a new Housing Allocations Scheme is necessary due to "more acute, more complex, and more urgent" housing pressures than in recent years. These pressures include rising homelessness, a shortage of affordable homes, increased demand for temporary accommodation, and financial constraints. Councillor Reginald Popoola, Executive Member for Council Homes, noted that the current system is difficult for residents to understand and too stretched for officers to manage effectively.

More than 22,000 households are currently on the Southwark Housing Register, with 4,200 households living in temporary accommodation. In the year ending March 31, 2026, only 6 per cent of those on the register were allocated a social rented home within the borough.

Changes to Bedroom Sharing and Banding

Under the current scheme, same-sex siblings are expected to share a bedroom up to age 15, with those aged 16 and over entitled to their own room. The proposed change would raise this age to 20, unless medical or welfare grounds necessitate a separate bedroom. The council asserts this aligns with government guidance on social housing allocations.

The existing four priority bands (Band 1 to Band 4) would be replaced by five bands: A, B, C, D, and E, with Band A offering the highest priority. Band E is described as the lowest priority band, reflecting low housing need, and applicants placed here are unlikely to be rehoused. This band is intended for secure tenants seeking a transfer or other eligible individuals who do not qualify for higher bands.

Scrapping Local Employment Requirement and Other Adjustments

A significant proposed change is the removal of the requirement for applicants to work within Southwark to qualify for the housing register. This aims to prevent households from being disadvantaged if they have accepted suitable private rented accommodation outside the borough, supporting homelessness prevention efforts.

The council also plans to remove 'priority stars' and the 'Good Tenant Award'. These currently grant additional priority based on employment, volunteering, or tenancy conduct. The new scheme intends to base priority solely on a household's housing needs, making it simpler and more transparent. Other proposed changes include placing homeless individuals working with the Housing First programme in Band A, retaining priority for homeless applicants who accept private tenancies while waiting, and limiting accommodation offers to two per applicant.

Regulatory Scrutiny

The proposed scheme must also address concerns raised by the government's social housing watchdog. In 2024, the regulator condemned Southwark Council for "serious failings", stating that the existing policy hindered prospective tenants from bidding on available homes. The council received a C3 consumer grading, the second-worst rating for consumer standards, indicating a need for significant improvements.

Next Steps

The proposed new Southwark Housing Allocations Scheme 2026 is scheduled for executive approval at a meeting on September 15. If approved, it will replace the current scheme from 2013. A review of the new scheme is planned for 12 months after its implementation.