CHANGES to waiting lists for housing in Cheshire West and Chester Council were agreed last week.
In partnership with Chester and District Housing Trust, Weaver Vale Housing Trust, Plus Dane Group and Muir Group, Cheshire West and Chester Council has developed the new policy, which must be agreed by all the organisations involved.
Currently there are about 19,000 names on the housing waiting list but about 10,000 of these do not have a housing need and will no longer be eligible to go on to the list.
Cllr Herbert Manley, executive member for prosperity, said it was ‘a move forward’.
“I believe here is a very positive way to review our policies, to amend them when we need to and to ensure the people who want the houses are able to get them,” he said.
“On the housing waiting list there are people who may never qualify under the criteria for housing.
“One of the most significant changes in the proposed policy is the proposal to no longer register those without an evidenced housing need, unless they are over 55 years.
“Another significant proposed change is that people without a local connection will no longer be able to register for social housing in the borough.
“The only exception would be if an applicant could show a significant need.”
