Pembrokeshire housing register temporarily closes for six weeks

Applicants on the Choice Homes@Pembrokeshire Housing Register are reminded that the register has now temporarily closed for a period of six weeks.

The revised Choice Homes @ Pembrokeshire Housing Allocation Policy will come into effect on 28 October 2026, following its implementation period which began on 27 July 2026.

These changes will affect all current applicants on the Housing Register.

During the closure period, applicants will not be able to:

· Submit a new application to join the Housing Register.

· Receive weekly property advertisements.

· Place bids on available properties.

Allocations will only be made for emergency/urgent housing need.

The Housing Register is being temporarily closed to allow Housing Services to complete the final stages of implementing the new Choice Homes @ Pembrokeshire Housing Allocation Policy.

Cllr Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing Operations, said: “The revised Housing Allocation Policy strengthens the focus on supporting local housing need within Pembrokeshire.

“In partnership with our Registered Social Landlord partners, this forms part of the Council’s wider Housing Strategy to deliver more affordable homes, make better use of existing housing stock, and improve housing opportunities for local communities across the county.”

During this period, the Housing Team will assess outstanding applications, determine priority banding, and issue welcome packs to eligible applicants in preparation for the launch of the new policy on 28 October 2026.

Housing Services will also make a final attempt to contact vulnerable applicants who have not yet completed the application process. This follows an extensive programme of engagement through letters, emails, text messages, telephone calls, and social media communications in recent months.

The temporary closure will also allow essential updates to the IT systems that support the Housing Register, ensuring they align with the new policy requirements before the register reopens.

Applicants who do not provide the information needed to demonstrate that they meet the qualifying criteria, or who no longer wish to remain on the Housing Register, will be notified accordingly.

Pembrokeshire Council strongly encourages anyone who has not yet completed the application process, but wishes to remain on the Choice Homes@Pembrokeshire Housing Register, to contact the Housing Team as soon as possible.

Please note that applicants who do not reapply under the new policy arrangements will have their application closed.

If you no longer wish to remain on the Housing Register, please inform the Housing Team so that you can be removed from our contact list.

The revised Choice Homes@Pembrokeshire Housing Allocation policy will launch on 28 October 2026.

From this date, the Housing Register will reopen, properties will once again be advertised, and eligible applicants will then be able to place bids for suitable accommodation.

The Pembrokeshire County Council Housing Team recognise the additional requirements placed on applicants as a result of the policy changes.

A PCC spokesperson said: “We understand the impact that such changes has had on applicant eligibility and priority banding, together with the difficulties experienced by some to complete the application process to satisfy the new qualifying criteria.”

Cllr Bateman added: “The temporary closure of the Housing Register marks a significant step in delivering the new Housing Allocation Policy. We have worked hard to engage with current applicants throughout this process, providing information, guidance and support to help them understand the changes and complete their applications.

“Our priority has been to make the transition as straightforward as possible and ensure everyone has the best opportunity to remain on the Housing Register if they meet the new qualifying criteria.”

While we transition to the new policy over the coming months, our teams will continue to provide support and guidance to applicants to assist through this process.

Applicants experiencing difficulties in completing the process or gathering supporting evidence can contact the team by email on [email protected], or telephone on 01437 776603.

If an applicant disagrees with a decision relating to their Choice Homes@Pembrokeshire Housing Application, they have the right to request a review within 21 days of being notified of that decision. Information on the review process will be included within any decision correspondence.

For further information about this policy is available, by visiting www.choicehomespembrokeshire.org