Pembrokeshire housing applicants must reapply by September 13

Applicants on the Choice Homes @ Pembrokeshire Housing Register are reminded that they must engage with the reapplication process by September 13 to remain on the register.

The register currently includes around 4,600 applicants and has undergone a comprehensive review to improve the way housing need is assessed.

The changes aim to create a fairer and more transparent allocation process while ensuring housing is prioritised for those with the greatest need.

A key change is the introduction of a strengthened local connection requirement. Applicants must demonstrate a housing need and either:

· Have lived in Pembrokeshire continuously for the last five years;

· Have lived in Pembrokeshire for a continuous five years within the last fifteen years; or

· Meet one of the qualifying exemptions outlined within the policy.

In July, all existing applicants were invited to reapply to the housing register.

The first stage requires all applicants to provide evidence of their local connection to Pembrokeshire. Applicants who meet the local connection criteria will then be invited to complete the full housing application form.

The response to the changes has been positive, with 47% of applicants completing the initial pre-application stage and 22% completing the full application process.

However, many applicants still need to complete the required stages to maintain their place on the register.

Applicants have until 13 September 2026 to complete the application process.

Between 15 September and 28 October 2026, the current register will close while applications are assessed. During this period, existing applicants will be unable to bid on properties, and no properties will be advertised through Choice Homes @ Pembrokeshire.

The new Choice Homes @ Pembrokeshire Housing Register will go live on 28 October 2026, allowing eligible applicants to bid on suitable available homes.

The Housing Team recognises that many individuals and families seeking housing support may be doing so during challenging periods in their lives. While evidence is required to ensure the policy is applied fairly and consistently, officers remain committed to providing person-centred support throughout the process with consideration to individual circumstances.

This support is particularly important for applicants who may face difficulties obtaining documents to demonstrate local connection.

Where challenges arise, the Housing Team will work with applicants to identify alternative forms of evidence where appropriate, which could include Council and other official records.

Support is also available for applicants experiencing digital exclusion, requiring assistance to complete forms, or needing help gathering documentation. This support has included drop-in sessions across the county, regular communications and dedicated assistance from housing support teams.

Under the new policy, applicants must demonstrate a qualifying connection to Pembrokeshire for a minimum of five years before the policy implementation date.

Applicants who qualify under an exemption category will need to provide evidence to support their eligibility.

The Housing Team recognises that changes to the housing register may affect those currently seeking accommodation.

Feedback received so far has been largely positive, with many applicants recognising that the revised policy will help create a fairer housing allocation system for Pembrokeshire.

One applicant commented: "I like how simple it was to fill the form in on the site. It is clear and easy to understand."

While experiences may differ, the Housing Team has worked hard to ensure the process is as straightforward and accessible as possible.

The revised housing register introduces a new banding structure designed to prioritise applicants according to their assessed housing need while retaining their effective application date.

Under the new system, applicants will be placed into Bands. The qualifying criteria differ from the previous policy, meaning some applicants may notice a change in their banding.

We are committed to providing other housing options for those who are not eligible under the revised housing allocation policy. One key element of this support will be the development of an Affordable Housing Register, helping applicants with lower-priority housing needs explore alternative housing options in Pembrokeshire.

Clear timescales have been introduced to ensure the new policy can be implemented successfully and that applications are assessed consistently.

The Housing Service will make every effort to support applicants throughout the process. However, applicants who fail to provide the required information within agreed timescales, or who do not engage with Housing Services, may not meet the policy criteria and could be removed from the register. This is to ensure that we can implement the policy by the 28 October 2026.

Applicants who disagree with a decision made as part of the assessment process have the right to request a review within 21 days of the decision date.

Applicants who have already completed the process and are awaiting an outcome are asked not to contact the Housing Team for updates. Assessment outcomes will be issued from late September through to the 28 October 2026.

Further information is available by visiting www.choicehomespembrokeshire.org

Applicants experiencing difficulties completing the process or gathering local connection evidence can access support by emailing [email protected] or calling 01437 776603.