Plans to restrict social housing to local residents

Access to social housing in North Lincolnshire could be restricted to people who have lived in the area for at least five years, according to council plans.

The proposal, to be put to public consultation, would also give priority to military veterans, workers, carers, people leaving care and survivors of domestic abuse.

Meanwhile, changes to the rules on people's finances would prevent applicants with high incomes or substantial savings from using the social housing system, North Lincolnshire Council said.

Council leader Rob Waltham said: "People here tell us the same thing time and again: they want a fair system that puts local families first and that's exactly what we're doing."

"This is about protecting things that actually matter, day in, day out," Waltham said.

"Our communities, our neighbourhoods and the people who work, care and contribute should come first, but the system has been stacked against them – that changes now.

"If you've built your life in North Lincolnshire, you should not be pushed aside. These changes will restore fairness and common sense."

The council added that the proposed changes were "designed to ensure the limited number of available homes are reserved for people who have genuine roots in the area and contribute to local life".

The plans are expected to be put out to public consultation this month.

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