New rules which state who is eligible for social housing in Bucks have been given the green light by Chiltern and South Bucks district councils.

Chiltern District Council’s (CDC) cabinet met yesterday where they gave the green light to the draft Bucks Home Choice allocations policy, which outlines who is entitled to social housing in the county.

South Bucks District Council’s cabinet gave the green light to plans during a meeting on Wednesday, March 13.

Initial plans included raising the age same sex siblings should be required to share a room until from 16 to 21, however this was reduced to 18 following criticism from families.

The draft policy also states that those  with “sufficient resources”, or who own a property, should not be eligible for Bucks Home Choice, as well as those who have sold a home in the last five years, with no plans to buy a property with the money made.

A council report states that if changes are not made to the policy then it would “face increasing challenges” in preventing homelessness and meeting statutory homelessness duties.

All four district councils involved in the Bucks Home Choice partnership – Aylesbury Vale, Wycombe, South Bucks and Chiltern – must agree to plans before they are implemented.

To view the draft policy visit http://sbdc-spider2.southbucks.gov.uk/democracy/documents/s34865/Appendix%201.pdf