The Role of Your Local Councillor

As well as representing their community and bringing its views into the Council’s decision making process, Councillors can act on behalf of local people in resolving particular concerns or issues.

When people apply for Council housing they may turn to their local Councillor for advice and assistance. Many people are uncertain about their Councillor’s role in the process of allocating Council housing.

What your Councillor can do...

  • Approach Housing Services on your behalf, with consent, to ensure that all the facts of your case are taken into account when assessing your application.              
  • Advise applicants about the process of applying for Council accommodation and the availability of housing within their local area. Councillors have information about our stock, lettings and the number of applicants on the waiting list in each area. They are also notified of properties becoming vacant in their ward.
  • Members are collectively involved in any future reviews of the Lettings Policy to ensure that it is achieving its aims. They also approve any Local Lettings Policies which may operate in your area.

What your Councillor cannot do...

  • Decide who is allocated a Council property or be involved in the allocation decision. Allocations are made according to the Council’s Lettings Policy. All applications are assessed and awarded points based on the applicant’s present housing circumstances.
  • Ask for details about your application, or anyone else’s without consent. Personal information such as a person’s name, address, current housing circumstances etc. are protected under the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Council is unable to share these details without the applicant’s consent.

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