The Choice Homes allocation policy will be changing, with a new policy coming into effect on 28th October 2026.
The revised policy has been developed to deliver a continued fair and consistent approach to allocating social housing, ensuring priority is given to those in greatest need while making best use of limited housing stock.
In accordance with the rising demand for social housing in Pembrokeshire, the policy has been updated to ensure that applicants across all levels of need are accurately identified and appropriately prioritised.
The new policy introduces several important changes. All applicants will undergo an eligibility assessment to determine whether they are eligible to join the social housing register, or whether alternative options are more appropriate for their circumstances. Eligibility will be based on criteria demonstrating a local connection to Pembrokeshire for the required length of time.
In addition, the current banding system will change. The existing Gold, Silver, and Bronze bands will be replaced with Band A, B, C, and D, with revised criteria for how priority is awarded.
The policy will also allow applicants to bid on properties with one bedroom more than their assessed need, subject to a financial assessment. For example, an applicant eligible for a one-bedroom property may be considered for a two-bedroom property if they meet the affordability criteria.
Applicants will not need to contact us regarding the new policy. We will be unable to answer any queries regarding individual banding until the new allocation policy is implemented.
During the course of July 2026, applicants who have an email address registered on our system will receive a link to complete a pre-application form. This form will help determine whether you remain eligible to stay on the Choice Homes register. If you are eligible, you will then be invited to complete a new full application form.
Please note that the pre application form is only available to customers who are currently on the housing register. If this applies to you, we'll contact you directly with an invitation to complete it.
We'd kindly ask that if you're not currently registered, you don't try to create an account to access the pe application form at this stage. The tool is part of a system that is not fully in use yet and completing it without an invitation may create an application that cannot be progressed.
To help avoid any confusion or delays, please wait until you've been invited before completing the pre application form.
If you are unable to complete forms online, please contact the Housing Support Team on 01437 764551 for assistance. To ensure you receive correspondence, please make sure your email address is up to date by contacting housing@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
If, after completing the pre-application form, you are found to be ineligible, your application will be closed once the new policy is implemented.
Please note that any applications submitted after 1st August 2026 will not be processed under the current policy. Instead, they will be reviewed and assessed once the new policy is in effect.
There will also be a temporary pause on advertising social housing properties through the Choice Homes advert from 15th September 2026 in order to allow time for all applications to be reassessed under the new policy. The first Choice Homes advert under the updated policy will be published on 28th October 2026.
Please be aware that allocations for applicants with a statutory homeless duty will continue during this pause.