Pembrokeshire County Council, in partnership with local housing associations, has approved a new Choice Homes @ Pembrokeshire Allocations Policy, outlining how social housing will be allocated and how applicants are prioritised according to housing need and local connection to the county.

The policy, coming into effect in October 2026, has been developed collaboratively by Pembrokeshire County Council, ateb, Wales & West Housing, Barcud and Codi (formerly Pobl) Housing Associations. It reflects growing pressures on housing and homelessness services, alongside recent changes in Welsh housing legislation.

The updated policy aims to deliver a continued fair and consistent approach to allocating social housing, ensuring priority is given to those in greatest need while making best use of limited housing stock.

From 1 August 2026, applications under the current policy will no longer be accepted. New applications will be held and assessed under the revised policy once implemented.

Over the coming weeks, all current applicants on the housing register will be contacted to explain the changes to the allocations policy, and what they will need to do to remain on the social housing waiting list.

The Local Authority states that it is responding to ‘demand and legislative change’.

Demand for social housing in Pembrokeshire has increased significantly, with more households facing homelessness, living in temporary accommodation, or unsuitable living conditions.

At the same time, new legislation, including the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026, has required councils to strengthen allocation processes.

The new policy introduces clearer criteria covering eligibility, banding (A-D), medical and welfare needs, overcrowding, local connection, and access to age-restricted, accessible and affordable housing. It also reinforces safeguards to prevent applicants from gaining unfair priority.

Pembrokeshire Council says that the new legislation is ‘supporting those most in need’

The Choice Homes @ Pembrokeshire is a combined housing register, allowing applicants to apply for properties across all partner organisations. Priority is based on assessed need, with Band A representing the highest priority.

The policy continues to support key groups, including people experiencing homelessness, those in unsuitable housing, individuals with medical or mobility needs, foster and kinship carers, older people, armed forces personnel and care leavers.

It also strengthens the Pembrokeshire Accessible Housing Register to better match adapted homes to those who need them most.

Cllr Michelle Bateman, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Ensuring that housing is allocated in a consistent and fair way is critical to ensure those with the most housing need can access social housing.

“I am pleased that we have worked closely with our housing association partners to agree this new Policy. We will be running a number of drop-in sessions for local residents over the next few months, and I look forward to attending these,” she added.

For anyone wanting further information you can apply online or view ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ at the following: www.choicehomespembrokeshire.org

For further help and support contact the Housing Support Team at Pembrokeshire County Council by ‘phoning 01437 764551 or emailing: [email protected]