Citizens Advice is reminding people that the deadline is fast approaching for anyone on the Dorset Council social housing waiting list to re-apply to join the new housing register by the 1st December 2021. This will ensure that people keep their original registration date.
Following the recent local government reorganisation Dorset Council is changing how properties are allocated and how people should apply for housing with the launch of a new Home Choice website.
The current housing register closed to new applications on 19th July 2021, meaning everyone already on the housing register needed to re-apply. Their application will then be assessed using the new allocations policy. Dorset Council has contacted all people on the housing register to inform them of the changes.
People will need to reapply via the Dorset Council website to open a new account at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/housing/housing/re-registration-process It is essential to meet the 1st December deadline to ensure that people keep their original registration date.
Properties will be advertised on the new website from the 1st December, provided people have re-registered and been assessed by this date. Properties will continue to be advertised on the current website until the 19th November 2021. People can still continue to access their home choice account to place bids.
An email address is required to both re-apply and apply. If people need help with applications, advice and support is available from the Dorset Council Digital Hotline 01305 221048 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 12noon). Advice about the housing register policy and process is available via email to: [email protected] or by phone on 01305 221739.
Citizens Advice also offers advice and support on housing matters such as housing bandings, issues with landlords, rent arrears, evictions, and homelessness. For free, confidential advice and support, call the Dorset Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 or visit www.citizensadvicedorset.org.uk for details of your nearest Citizens Advice.
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For more information contact: Sian Smith, Comms Officer, email: [email protected]
We give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem.
Notes to editors:
About Citizens Advice in Dorset:
Citizens Advice in Dorset provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities to enable them to find a way forward whatever problems they face. We value diversity, promote equality, challenge discrimination wherever we see it and aim to improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives.
Citizens Advice in Dorset is located across three regions:
- Citizens Advice Bridport bridportca.org.uk tel: 0800 144 8848
- Citizens Advice Central Dorset centraldorsetca.org.uk tel: 0800 144 8848
- Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck edpcitizensadvice.org.uk tel: 0800 144 8848