Model citizens to be first in line for council houses

New plans emerged today that will see good neighbours or community-minded residents given priority for houses. Council leader George Adamson said: "Rather than penalising people all the time, it's good to reward them as well." The waiting list has grown to almost 3,000 this year and a shortage of family houses is concerning Cannock Chase Council.

Just 53 four-bedroom properties are available but district chiefs are determined that their housing stock goes to the most deserving.

The latest move is part of proposed changes to the way council houses across the Chase are allocated.

In a report, strategic housing manager Janet Baldesera said: "The change allows the council to take account of good as well as bad behaviour. The council could give greater priority to applicants who have been model tenants or have benefited the community."

Councillor Adamson said this was the first time that the authority had looked to repay would-be tenants.

"Good behaviour needs to be recognised. No formal process has been set up to assess what might be deemed 'good' or 'model' behaviour but we would be looking at work people have done for charity or help they have given neighbours," he said.

Police checks for all housing applicants were introduced in April as a means of excluding people as a result of their past behaviour. Previously, police checks were used only if applicants disclosed a criminal conviction on the form. The inspections are carried out by Staffordshire Police free of charge.

People who have been in the Armed Forces or are fostering children are also prioritised in Cannock.

The latest policy changes are to go before the cabinet for approval.