Social Housing Ranking confusing

[Livinglife86]

Thank you for reading my post. Please could anyone explain what the council ranking numbers mean?

Example: 1-5, 6-10 & 11-20

I called the council and enquired however the operator said she didn't understand the ranking system either ☹️

I am currently in Band B the property I bid upon placed me at 11-20. I asked my Dad what this meant and was told "I don't have hope in hell..." however he admitted he had no idea how the ranking system worked.

Do I just wait for the bid to end then enquire again? I won't deny I feel a little dismayed as it was a lovely property and a new build in one of the nicest areas so it proved very popular very quickly 😣

It means there are that many people in front of you in the 'queue' for that house. If you're number 11 then 10 other people have bid on its whose circumstances mean they are prioritised over your

Thank you @SavingsThreads It’s just so confusing as I was 11-20 with 17 bids. It has now gone up to 28 and I’m still 11-20 so I haven’t changed at all. It my first bid so I will wait for the cycle to close and check the ‘Your Rank’ section to hopefully get a better picture.

If your band B your more than likely not going to get a brand new property in a nice area. You will need to lower your expectations. The bidding is how many people are in front of you, band A and emergencies get priority over housing.

As below

It purely means that you are in a position between 11-20.

As more bids come in you may slide further down or stay the same, depending on the banding of the people who bid and the other prioritisation information such as time waiting etc. Unless bids are withdrawn, which is very unlikely, you won't move up the ranking.

So there are at least 10 people in front of you, possibly more. Realistically you won't have a chance with this property. Make sure you use all of your bids. Don't focus on a single property.

@cantcope88 not necessarily each week statistics are released from the local council website showing past properties and the bands they have been allocated l. If I’m honest I rarely see any Band A’s on there at all it’s mostly Band B some in D and more recently E. so I’m staying positive about holding out for a property that’s suitable and likeable.

You are likely right thank you for your help

@loudbatperson sorry forgot to tag you

thank you all for your input I understand the ranking system slightly better now I will work with the information you’ve given me in the future when bidding on properties.

That maybe true but the band E may have been waiting 6 years for a property. To be honest if you don’t know how the social housing banding/bidding works you shouldn’t be on the list. You maybe waiting a long time for your perfect property then.

@cantcope88 My Grey area was the bidding system. “If you don’t know how the social housing banding/bidding works you shouldn’t be on the list” what a very ignorant and backward thing to say.

I have worked in several different councils and housing associations and more recently one of the larger city councils. However I dealt with C-Suite and not the front facing tenant/customer service side.

I was not sure how the bidding system worked but I am pleased there have been people here willing to explain.

That’s not true! Bid on whatever you feel is suitable and if you’re top of the list for it you’ll get it, whether it’s a new build or not.

I am a disabled women who has been housed badly for a decade, I have highly sensitive epilepsy and seizures every other day with 3 bleeds on my brain and a bad spine from an attack from an ex partner.
I was housed 3 flights of stairs up and have broken my hip and busted my body for years then I was moved to a 2 bed with stairs for the past 3 years.
I have a fulltime career and I am stuck in my house up stairs 90% of the time.
Recently I was refused a management move by raven, after they housed an employees in 6 weeks because he was a very heavy drinker by putting him on what raven called a direct housing list.
As my partner and carer an ex raven employee was forced to give up work to care for me, is witness to this all happening infront of him while his disabled girlfriend suffered at home alone.
Now I have fallen down the stairs broke my hip dislocated my shoulder and been left to rot by every council!
Does anyone have any advice for me as my life has become un liveable I've had police write an impact statement I've had doctors write several letters to my council and we basically are being ignored.

@Rettermandy have you tried escalating your complaint to the councillor for your area? If not that might be an idea in your complaint you must inform them that you would contact the LGO and all other Governing Bodies if you have too. I hope it all works out for you x

UPDATE: I received this email although I was 11-20 on both bids I don't know if this is an offer or I have just been shortlisted.

Hi sorry to post on an old thread but just wondered whether OP got the property you were bidding on? Thanks

@Thisismyusername1 morning I was indeed offered the property however I refused due to location issues

Thank you this is helpful I'm currently 6-10 so it's useful to know, I'm hoping I'm getting close!

@Thisismyusername1 when does the bidding cycle close for your council?

This evening

@Thisismyusername1 that is absolutely amazing you have a excellent chance of getting that property! I hope you get it x

Thank you I hope you are sorted now as well. I really appreciate your advice as it's such a confusing system!

Can anyone advise me on how long they were waiting for a property at this ranking over 20?

Thank you

Hi I would say the best thing to do is a foi request from your local council as they all vary so much. Our council can advise which band has been offered each style of property and the time they have been waiting. Also the system my council use is homechoice if yours is the same they show which bidder was successful and how long they had been bidding for. Finally, I was offered my property even though I came over 20 as my child has needs for a wet room and the property I bid on had it so I went up higher. Hope this helps!

@Thisismyusername1 congratulations on your property 😊 @Over20 username1 is right an FOI might be the best way forward. What band are you in if you don't mind me asking?