Trafford Council has introduced a new Housing Allocations Policy from the 2 of January 2026. This sets out how housing need is assessed and how priority is decided. Re-registration allows HOST to reassess all applications using the same updated rules, so the housing register is fair and up to date.

All current Trafford Home Choice applicants must re-register to remain on the housing register. This applies even if your circumstances have not changed since you last applied.

If you do not re-register by the deadline, your application may be closed. This means you could lose your place on the register and your priority date. You would need to apply again if you still need housing.

Your application will be reassessed under the new policy. You may be asked to provide information or upload evidence to confirm your details. Once reassessment is complete, you will be able to bid for homes again when advertising restarts.

In most cases, your priority date will stay the same unless your band changes following reassessment. If your housing need has increased and you are awarded a higher band, a new priority date may apply.

You still need to re-register. This confirms that your information is correct and allows us to assess your application under the new policy.

If you cannot complete the re-registration online due to a disability, health condition, learning difficulty, or difficulty using the internet, assisted re-registration may be available. Contact HOST as soon as possible to ask about support.

All medical and disability needs will be reassessed as part of re-registration. Previous medical awards do not automatically carry over under the new policy. If you are asked to provide updated medical information, it is important that this clearly explains how your current home is affecting your health or wellbeing. Medical information should be sent to: hostmedicalassessments@trafford.gov.uk

The updated policy includes clearer rules about who can join or remain on the housing register. This means that some people may no longer qualify to stay on the register after reassessment. If this applies to you, you will be told the reason in writing and advised what to do next.

Under the new Housing Allocations Policy, people who are at risk of homelessness and being supported through homelessness prevention, including those with a Personalised Housing Plan, PHP, will be placed in Band 3 rather than Band 2. Band 2 is for applicants owed the homelessness relief duty, as they are already homeless and unable to remain in their current accommodation.

The HOST Panel assesses Band 1, complex or exceptional cases where a decision cannot be made using standard rules. This includes emergency medical or welfare cases, exceptional circumstances, or requests to apply the policy differently. The Panel uses the Housing Allocations Policy and all available evidence to make a fair decision. Not all cases go to the HOST Panel, and being referred does not guarantee a higher band.

If you receive a decision about your application and think it is wrong, you can ask for a review. Your decision letter will explain how to do this and what information you need to provide. Reviews look at whether the policy was applied correctly and consider any new evidence you submit. Requests must be made within the time limit shown in your letter. You can email THCreviews@trafford.gov.uk to make a request.

A review checks whether the correct decision was made using the Housing Allocations Policy. It cannot change the policy rules or guarantee a different outcome. The decision may stay the same, change, or be replaced with a new decision based on the evidence.

If you have new or updated information that was not available before, you should send this as soon as possible. This may include medical evidence, support letters, or changes to your circumstances. Providing clear evidence helps your application be assessed accurately.

Care-experienced young people may be given priority on the housing register if they are ready to move on to independent living and meet the policy criteria. This includes young people who were placed in Trafford by another local authority and wish to remain in the borough. Where they are ready for move-on, have not previously held a social housing tenancy, and have appropriate support in place, they will be awarded the relevant priority band in line with the Housing Allocations Policy.

Current and former members of the Armed Forces, and some bereaved spouses or partners, may qualify for additional priority under the Housing Allocations Policy. This includes people who need to move after leaving military accommodation or due to service-related injury or illness. Evidence of service or circumstances will be required, and each case is assessed under the policy rules.

Medical and disability priority is based on how your current home affects your health or wellbeing, not just your condition. As part of re-registration, all medical needs are reassessed under updated guidance. You may be asked to provide medical evidence explaining how your housing is making your condition worse or preventing you from living safely or independently.

If you need to move because of domestic abuse, your safety is the priority. You may be able to qualify without a local connection and may be awarded housing priority depending on risk and urgency. Evidence from support services may be needed, but lack of evidence will not automatically prevent an assessment. If you are in immediate danger, you should contact the police or a specialist support service as well as HOST.