Exploring the allocation of social housing in Wales: March 2024 to July 2024

Main findings

Allocations across Wales

• The number of households that are allocated to social housing varies across Wales, with stock-holding local authorities generally demonstrating higher allocation rates than non-stock-holding authorities.
• Households who are not owed a statutory duty are allocated social housing at higher rates than households who are owed a duty.

Shortages of social housing stock

• There is a severe shortage of social housing stock, especially one-bedroom properties
• Overcrowding in social housing was described as a “hidden crisis.”
• According to some interviewees, it is the availability of stock which determines when and whether people are allocated properties from social housing waiting lists, not reasonable preferences or local allocation policies.

The needs of specific demographic groups

• Interviewees identified people experiencing homelessness as facing long periods of time in temporary accommodation
• A lack of stock was identified as the key factor for particularly lengthy allocation waiting lists for single people, disabled people, and large families.
• An increase in presentation of people with multiple support needs was identified by interviewees as increasing pressure on allocation policies and support services. 

Relationships between local authorities and registered social landlords (RSLs)

• Interviewees strongly agreed on the central importance of maintaining close and collaborative relationships between local authorities and RSLs. 

Rejecting applications for social housing

• The majority of local authorities did not suggest “cherry-picking” to be an issue in their area. However, for the local authorities that did raise concerns, this was seen as exacerbating the pressures on their existing stock.
• Inconsistent data collection, information sharing, and management between local authorities and RSLs hinders best practice and effective decision-making.