CHANGES are in the pipeline to the way social housing is allocated in west Cheshire.

The Trust Homechoice Common Allocation Policy is currently being reviewed and residents views are needed on the proposed changes.

These include allowing people who rent in the private sector to register on Trust Homechoice if they are struggling financially, customers with a local connection who need to move for employment purposes should be given a Band C, as should those who share facilities like a kitchen and bathroom but who cannot afford to move.

The review also suggests that trust residents expecting a child should be able to bid on properties with an extra bedroom when they are seven months pregnant.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) administers the Common Allocations Policy, supported by its partners Sanctuary Housing, Weaver Vale Housing Trust and Plus Dane.

Clr Herbert Manley, CWAC’s executive member for growth and innovation, said: “Choice Based Lettings has been operating well since October when it was taken over by the council.

“The suggested changes will increase the number of people who can put their names down on the waiting list and we would like as many residents as possible to give us their views.”

CWAC is hosting a consultation event for people to find out more and share their views at Wyvern House, in Winsford, from 3pm to 4pm on May 28.

The questionnaire is also online at trusthomechoice.co.uk.