Fact sheet 6 - Local connections Version 2 - August 2017 Rural housing

Local connections

Local connection is an area where there may be The only exceptions are members of the Armed some misunderstanding. It may mean different things Forces and Reserve Forces as set out in the Allocation to different people – applicants, their families and of Accommodation; guidance for local housing parish councils. However, it is important for parish authorities in England (June 2012) and those who councils to know that in terms of housing allocations, are homeless having fled domestic violence or it has a very strict and clear definition, which is set harassment from another part of the country. out in the Allocation Scheme . Parish/Village local connection Local connection comes in to play in two This is covered in the sections of the Allocation ways; local connection to the district and local Scheme ‘Rural Lettings Schemes’ and ‘Rural connection to a parish or group of parishes. Exception Sites’. A village connection is defined as: District local connection • Have lived in the village for the past five years This is a requirement to join the Housing Register . • Be employed in the village for a minimum of There are a number of different ways in which an 15 hours per week and the employment is not of a applicant can establish a connection to the district. short term nature Details of what constitutes a connection can be found in the Allocations Scheme on the Cherwell • Have 10 years previous residency if not currently District Council website (www.cherwell.gov.uk). residing in the village Applicants will need to meet at least one of the • Be over 55 or with a disability needing support on following criteria to be defined as having a district health grounds from close relatives connection: • Have close relatives living in the village for the last • Have lived in the district for a period of at least six five years. Close relatives are defined as parents, out of the last 12 months continuously prior to children, siblings, grandparents or grandchildren acceptance on the Housing Register including step relatives, where there is evidence of frequent contact, commitment or dependency. • Previously lived in the district for three out of the past five years When affordable housing is built on Rural Exception Sites, or planning obligations are attached • Contract of employment to work within the district to other affordable housing developments, there • Immediate family members, who have lived in the may be restrictions on the occupancy of these district for at least five years, where there has been homes. These restrictions are intended to ensure that frequent contact, commitment and dependency, applicants with a village connection and in housing immediately prior to the date of application need as defined in the Allocation Scheme have first priority for nomination to any Affordable • Social tenants needing to move for work Rented properties. • Have special reason for needing to live in the area This means they must not only meet the eligibility/ Applicants who do not have a connection to qualification criteria for joining the Housing Register the district will not qualify for access to the Housing Register .

Housing Services, Cherwell District Council, Bodicote House, Bodicote, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 4AA Tel: 01295 227004, Email: [email protected], www.cherwell.gov.uk Fact sheet 6 - Local connections

but also the requirements negotiated within the original Section 106 Agreement and/or Nominations Agreement for the development site for the rural exception vacancy arising. Where applicants have a strong connection to a particular village, Cherwell will ask them to detail this on their application. If an applicant is successful, applicants will then have to provide proof of their connection before they can be approved for the nomination to proceed. Cherwell checks all village connections prior to making nominations to any property.

Housing Services, Cherwell District Council, Bodicote House, Bodicote, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 4AA Tel: 01295 227004, Email: [email protected], www.cherwell.gov.uk