Housing register bands categorize individuals and families based on their level of housing need. Though the specifics can vary across different local authorities, there are typically five bands:
-
Emergency Band: This is the highest priority band, often reserved for individuals or families facing severe homelessness, immediate danger, or those with critical health issues exacerbated by their current housing situation. Allocation of housing to this band is urgent due to the severity of the circumstances.
-
Urgent Band: Applicants in this band have significant housing needs that require prompt attention but might not be as immediate or severe as those in the Emergency Band. This could include cases of overcrowding, serious health concerns impacted by housing conditions, or urgent need to move due to safety reasons.
-
High Band: People in this band have substantial housing needs but may not be as urgent as those in the first two bands. This might encompass situations such as overcrowding, health issues impacted by housing, or the necessity to relocate to a particular area for work, care, or other valid reasons.
-
Medium Band: Applicants in this band have identifiable housing needs, which might not be as pressing as those in higher bands but still require attention. This could include reasons like welfare needs, educational purposes, or employment-related relocation.
-
Low Band: The lowest priority band generally includes individuals or families with housing needs that are less pressing compared to other bands. These applicants might be adequately housed but still have specific requirements or reasons necessitating a move.
Local authorities use these bands to prioritize housing allocation, with those in higher bands often receiving housing offers more swiftly than those in lower bands, depending on the availability of suitable housing in the area and the specific criteria set by the respective authority.