British dominate rehoming figures

Since January 1, 2008, the council has re-housed 636 households either in re-let or new accommodation.

Of this total, only 25 were of non-British nationality, i.e., 3.9 per cent.

The figure of 25 is composed of two Asian, nine west European, 13 east European and one other household in terms of their general origin.

To be eligible to be re-housed for a non-British national, the council has to follow the national statutory code of guidance on housing allocations and then uses the normal housing needs assessment process where households are ranked in terms of housing need, such as medical conditions, current housing conditions, number of dependants and vulnerability.

The process then categorises each household by needs into A, B, C or D, with A being those in greatest housing need.

This then uses what is called a choice-based lettings system, where households have an opportunity every fortnight, to apply to be re-housed according to the properties which are advertised at that time.

Their acceptance is then determined based on those in the highest needs category and then by length of time on the housing register and area of preference to be re-housed.

I think it is important, for clarity, that these figures are in the public domain at this particular time, to make sure there is no misunderstanding of the facts.

Councillor Robin Brown,

cabinet member for housing and community care,

Arun District Council,

Civic Centre,

Littlehampton

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