New social housing register opens for Burton residents

A new system for applying for social housing has gone live across East Staffordshire, with Burton residents now able to submit applications through the council’s new Housing Register.

East Staffordshire Borough Council opened the new online register on 1 September, following the introduction of a new Housing Allocations Policy.

The changes are designed to make sure the limited number of social homes available in Burton and across the borough are allocated fairly, with priority given to households with the greatest housing need.

Already on the waiting list? You may need to re-register

Anyone who was already registered for social housing should check the letter or email they have received from the council carefully.

Existing applicants who have been asked to re-register can now submit a new application and are being encouraged to do so as soon as possible. The deadline is 1 December 2026, when the new council-managed register is expected to become fully operational.

Importantly, existing priority bands and positions on the waiting list will not automatically transfer to the new system. Applications will instead be reassessed using each household’s current circumstances and the criteria contained in the new Housing Allocations Policy.

However, some existing applicants have been told they do not need to apply again unless their circumstances have changed, so it’s worth checking the instructions you have received before filling in another form. Nobody needs extra paperwork in their life without good reason.

Who can join the new register?

The new system uses what the council describes as a “managed approach”. Applicants will need to have a recognised housing need and meet the eligibility and qualification rules contained within the Housing Allocations Policy. This can include requirements around having a local connection to the area.

People applying should provide complete and up-to-date information about their household and current housing situation. Supporting evidence may also be requested while an application is being assessed.

Being accepted onto the register does not guarantee that a home will become available. The council says demand for social housing across East Staffordshire remains higher than the number of properties available, so applications will be prioritised according to housing need.

Councillor Simon Slater, Cabinet Member for Communities and Regulatory Services, said: “Demand for social housing in East Staffordshire remains significantly higher than the number of homes available. The new Housing Register will help ensure that social housing is allocated fairly and transparently, with priority given to households in the greatest need.

“I would encourage anyone who has been asked to re-register to submit their application as soon as possible and to ensure that the information they provide is accurate and up to date.”

How to apply

Applications can be made through East Staffordshire Borough Council’s new online Housing Register portal.

Apply online: eaststaffbchousing.co.uk/register/

Anyone who needs help completing an application or accessing the online system can contact the council’s Housing Allocations and Lettings Team on 01283 508144 or email Allocationandlettings@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk.

Further information about the new register, Housing Allocations Policy and frequently asked questions is also available from East Staffordshire Borough Council.