Action for Housing calls for greater transparency in 2026 Housing Allocation Scheme Rules

Action for Housing says it's concerned at the recently published Housing Allocation Scheme Rules 2026, and calls for greater transparency and fairness in the system.

The group says the Housing Allocation Committee lacks accountability, with applicants not being told how or why decisions are made, making appeals difficult.

It also claims allocations have been made to applicants who were not high on the waiting list, while others with greater hardship were bypassed.

Action for Housing has criticised eligibility rules that exclude people who previously owned property and the weighting given to long waiting times over current housing need.

It has also questioned overcrowding calculations and the lack of clear criteria for medical and social cases.

The group says it is preparing detailed proposals to share with the Ministry of Housing and the public.