Pembrokeshire County Council and its housing partners are making further changes to the proposed Choice Homes@Pembrokeshire Allocation Policy following updated Welsh Government guidance. As a result, the introduction of the new policy has been delayed.

How will this affect current applications?

The Housing Register will reopen on October 28 under the current allocations policy. Applications will continue to be assessed, and properties allocated using the existing priority banding arrangements until further revisions to the new policy are agreed.

Applicants who have already started the process of joining the new register will be contacted directly before October 28.

Weekly property adverts will remain suspended while system changes are completed. Properties will continue to be allocated from shortlists of eligible applicants, and applicants should ensure their preferred letting areas are up to date.

What further changes to the Allocations Policy are being proposed?

Proposed changes to the Policy will be consulted upon and published over the next few weeks. The continuing aim of the Policy will be to ensure that scarce social housing is allocated fairly to people with the greatest housing need, while helping local homes remain available to support local people, families and communities.

To allow time for these changes to be implemented, tested and communicated, the launch of the new policy is now expected in February 2027, rather than October 2026.

Supporting applicants

The extended timetable will also provide more time for existing applicants to complete the reapplication process.

Of the 4,292 households previously registered, only 59% have submitted a new application. In addition, 945 households in the highest housing need categories have not yet reapplied. The additional time will allow further support and engagement to help ensure applicants are not disadvantaged during the transition to the new policy.

Cllr Michelle Bateman, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Whilst we regret that the revised implementation timetable will delay the launch of the new allocations policy, it also provides an important opportunity to ensure revisions to the Policy reflect changes in national legislation and guidance.

“I would also like to ensure that we take this time to ensure that additional support is offered to applicants with known housing need to engage with the reapplication process.”

Cllr Michelle Bateman is to join Pembrokeshire County Council\'s cabinet.
Cllr Michelle Bateman, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Whilst we regret that the revised implementation timetable will delay the launch of the new allocations policy, it also provides an important opportunity to ensure revisions to the Policy reflect changes in national legislation and guidance.” (PCC)

Anyone experiencing difficulties completing their application or providing supporting information can contact the Housing Team by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 01437 776603.

The news of the delay has drawn plenty of criticism online.

“This should not of started until everything was in place ready to go. It has been a nightmare!!” stated one person on social media in response to the news.

Another remarked: “Policies should have been in place before they decided to change things? A shame as doesn’t give any confidence. Everything should be open and honest.

“As it’s the Welsh Government that are responsible for the policies etc then if things don’t seem right then they need to take responsibility.”

One Pembrokeshire resident commented: “There’s a 3 bed house locally that was given to a person which had just been fitted out sitting empty after 6 weeks, reason, the person wants a house 15 or more miles away and wants to swap, meanwhile a local family is struggling in unfit accommodation!

“This should not be allowed, it should be handed back and reallocated to a family that wants to live there.”