Brent Band D Re-Reg FAQ's
Why is the council asking Band D applicants to re-register?
We are currently reviewing the housing register to ensure we have an accurate and up-to-date picture of housing needs in Brent. This helps make sure housing is allocated fairly and in line with our Allocations Scheme.
Brent is one of the worst affected places in the UK by the housing crisis. We have one of the highest waiting lists for council homes in the country, with over 36,000 households registered, and a severe shortage of accommodation.
On average only 650 properties become available for allocation each year, and 40% of these properties are one-beds or studios that are too small for many families. As a result, only a small number of applicants receive housing through Locata each year.
The average waiting time for social housing in Brent is now 14 years and for larger homes (with 3 or more bedrooms) it will take over 38 years to house everyone currently waiting. This gap between the demand for and supply of social housing means that that those households in the lowest priority – Band D, will never be successful in securing social housing. This is why the council took the decision in 2019 to suspend all households in Band D from being eligible to bid for properties on Locata.
As part of this review, we have contacted applicants whose current priority banding does not allow them to bid for properties - that is, people in Band D. If you wish to remain on the housing list, despite the fact that you are not eligible to place a bid on Locata, you will need to renew your application.
What does re-registration mean?
Re-registration means renewing your current application. Band D applicants on the housing register, who cannot bid for properties, but wish to remain on the list must renew their application within 28 days of receiving their re-registration email.
This does not require a new application. You simply log in to your account and confirm whether your circumstances have changed or stayed the same.
How do I re-register?
All Band D applicants have been contacted via email with instructions on how to renew their application if they wish to stay on the housing list.
If you still wish to remain on the housing register:
· Log in to your Locata account
· Select the option on the homepage to renew your application
· Confirm whether your circumstances have changed or stayed the same. If you have any significant changes in your circumstances, such as a major medical issue or big changes in your household (for example, children leaving or new children born), please let us know
Once this is done, your renewal is complete.
How can I get help with the re-registration process
Renewing your application is quick and easy. However, If you need extra support, staff at your local Brent Hub are available to help.
What do I need to do after re-registering?
Once this is done, your renewal is complete. Please note that you will not receive a confirmation email to indicate that the renewal has been completed.
What happens if I don’t re-register within 28 days of receiving the email?
If you do not renew your application within 28 days of receipt of your re-registration email, your application will be closed, and you will be removed from the Housing Register. You will need to make a new application if you wish to join again.
You will receive a formal decision letter informing you that you have been removed from the Housing Register, and you will have the right to request a review of the decision.
I no longer want to stay on the list. What other housing options are available?
There are lots of resources to help you find a suitable home in the private rented sector, including family homes and shared housing. Find out more.