What is a Local Connection?

We endeavour to make sure our properties remain available for local people for the future – Local Homes for Local People!

To ensure the above, when we allocate our properties, we give preference to applicants who meet the local connection criteria as set below:

Local need affordable housing will be occupied by a person(s) (and their dependents / family) with a proven housing need who cannot afford to rent or buy, at market rates, accommodation in the locality and, who meets one or more of the following criteria:

1. The applicant (or a member of the permanent household as stated on the application) has a minimum period of 3 years’ permanent and continuous residence in the Parish;

2. The applicant (or a member of the permanent household as stated on the application) has a minimum period of 3 years’ permanent and continuous residence in an adjoining Parish;

3. The applicant (or a member of the permanent household as stated on the application) is not now resident in the parish or an adjoining parish but has a local connection with the parish including a period of permanent residence of 5 years or more within the last 20 years;

4. The applicant has a strong local connection to the parish in the form of a close family member living in the parish for 5 years or more (close family member means Mother, Father, Son or Daughter and in some cases siblings or Grandparents if the need to live close to them is to give or receive support arising from proven age or medical reasons – documentary evidence of the support must be provided to accompany the application); or

5. The applicant (or a member of the permanent household as stated on the application) needs to live close to their place of work in the parish (or in some cases an adjoining parish). This criterion applies to permanent employment only and the contract for employment must be over 20 hours per week. The person in employment must also have held the position for over 2 years or have a fixed term contract for a least 2 years.

Note: These criteria are the benchmark set by the Association. The Association reserves the right to use its discretion if requested by either the Local Authority or Parish Council and there is reason for the Association to do so.