PRESSURES on housing in Bracknell Forest could mean residents who have lived in the borough for less than three years are kicked off the council's waiting list for new home.

Removing residents from the housing register if they have lived in Bracknell only a short time is just one of the recommendations to be considered by the council's executive members next Tuesday. 

If the revised policy is approved, only residents who have lived in the borough for four years or more will be able to join the register from Monday, November 1 2016.

The potential changes to the council's affordable housing allocation policy would restrict who is given a council home amid efforts to target stretched council resources "at those most in need".

Gill Vickers, director of adult social care, health and housing at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “With the current budget pressures the council is facing, it is vital we target our resources at those most in need and this revised policy is designed to address this aim, ensuring those with the greatest need will be housed as soon as possible.

“The current waiting list for housing is unsustainable and many people have been on the list without progression for long periods of time. With the revised strategy our aim is to cut the waiting time and ensure those with a strong connection to the borough are able to find a home within a reasonable timeframe.”

The council's executive look set to approve the changes to the policy when they meet on September 27 after consulting with residents currently on the register.

It's hoped housing will be better allocated to people with strong links to the borough.

Those who have been living in the borough for three years or more on November 1 will stay on the register, as will families whose children are expected to return to them after being taken by social services.

However three properties each year will be held back and offered to families from around the country who are relocating to Bracknell Forest for work.

If the Executive approve the recommendation, the revised policy will come into effect from 1 November 2016.

For more information on Bracknell Forest Council’s housing strategy visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/housing