Only those considered to be in the greatest need will qualify

The interim change is the first for the local authority's housing allocation system for 25 years.

The move could see many on the current waiting list for a property having to wait much longer.

The policy review is expected to last at least six months and follows criticism by Communities Scotland.

The government agency accused the local authority of not doing enough to help the area's homeless in a report last year.

Since then policy makers have been looking at ways of alleviating homelessness.

Falkirk Council said people who were currently on a waiting list for a council house would be sent a range of information on the changes, which took effect on 1 January.

The authority said they were keen to hear from those who would be affected by the changes and that a consultation pack was also being sent to applicants this week.

Only those who have no permanent home, live in overcrowded conditions or who live in homes which are below acceptable standards will be eligible to apply for a council house under the interim plans.

Those who live in houses which are unsuitable for their needs will also be able to apply.

Priority need

The council said the changes would not affect the number of points awarded to applicants under the existing system but may affect the length of time an applicant spends on the waiting list.

Councillor Alistair McNeill, vice convener of the social work and housing committee said: "Since the allocations policy was first adopted 25 years ago people's housing needs have changed and our housing stock has greatly reduced.

"We need to be able to meet the challenges presented by these greatly changed circumstances with an allocations policy which meet 21st century needs."

It emerged at the end of last year that Falkirk Council spends �1.2m a year on bed and breakfast accommodation for those officially classed as homeless.

Figures show more than 12,500 people are waiting for a council property in the district.

About 600 of those are classed as having a priority need. The local authority currently has about 18,000 properties in its housing stock.