Worthing council proposes changes to housing waiting list

Worthing Borough Council is proposing changes to its housing allocation policy that would remove people with no actual housing need from its waiting list and focus more resources on residents most in need.

The council said almost 2,500 households are now on its housing waiting list, while 487 local households were in council-funded short-term accommodation at the end of July. Between April and June, a further 189 households needed help finding somewhere to live.

The council has increased its housing budget by £1.8 million this year but is forecasting it will need to spend another £1.5 million beyond the agreed budget to support residents with nowhere to live.

Other proposals include more targeted support to prevent homelessness and allowing families on Worthing’s housing list to move into empty council homes in Sompting, Lancing, Shoreham, Southwick or Fishersgate when the properties are not required by Adur District Council residents.

The council is asking residents for their views through an online consultation and drop-in events in Worthing.