Social housing will be allocated “consistently and fairly” to residents with the greatest need amid a rapid increase in people on council waiting lists, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Durham County Council outlined its ambitions after announcing a review of its housing allocations policy last year.
The housing register in County Durham has increased from 7,686 active applicants in 2020 to 10,238 in 2025, a rise of approximately 25%, driven by the cost-of-living crisis and a reduction in cheaper private rented accommodation.
Despite the high number of people on the housing register, the council only has 3,000 lets per year.
A draft version of the updated proposal says residents must have lived in County Durham for a minimum of two years before they can join the housing register.
In County Durham, a choice-based lettings scheme currently allocates social housing to people on the housing register. However, the current policy has been in place since 2017, with a greater demand for social housing than supply, as well as a nationwide housing crisis.
Council data reveals that ten years ago, over 5,000 lets were available annually, compared to just over 3,000 lets in 2024/25. With annual lets down by 40% in ten years, waiting times for housing are now much longer in County Durham
“Social housing in County Durham is an extremely scarce resource and wanted by a very large number of people,” the council said.
More than 80% of respondents to the council’s initial consultation said residents on the register should have a local connection to qualify for the register in County Durham.
County Hall officials hope to create a revised policy which “ensures that social housing across the county is allocated consistently and fairly to those in the greatest housing need in an open and transparent way.”
The updated proposal will be subject to an eight-week public consultation, starting in February, before final council approval.
Councillor Joe Quinn, cabinet member for planning, investments and assets, said: “We know that by working together and listening to our residents, registered provider partners and other key stakeholders, we can work towards a fair and transparent allocations policy, which allows people to access the right type of housing in accordance with their needs.
“This will not only meet our residents’ needs but, if done correctly, can contribute to building a more sustainable community. And in line with other council initiatives, can contribute to helping prevent the wider issue of homelessness.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
