Bidding on property council house and que possition

[Frankiefound]

Hi just a quick question we are bidding on council houses we have been on list for 2 years, last year we were always around number 55 but this year were up in the 8s and 9s , I note it states they will short list family's after bidding ends , does this mean the person at front of que I.E que possition one is automatically offered if so why do they short list?! Im just confused as to why they would need to shirt list also if we're number 9 does that mean 9 people need to refuse the house before were offered it? Thanks in advance for replies x x