A NORTH-East authority is proposing a raft of changes to its letting policies for social housing including disqualifying tenants with rent arrears from applying for new homes.

Durham County Council is consulting on changes to its letting policy, which housing associations use to allow tenants to bid for empty properties.

Among the proposals it is looking at is changing the guideline to disqualify applicants with rent or mortgage arrears from applying from eight weeks to none.

The council was also trying to find out what “appetite”there is for single people sharing homes - which it says may be the only route into social housing for single people in the future.

It is also looking at removing some of the reasons for moving from the criteria, including being threatened with homelessness, wanting larger accommodation or relationship breakdown.

Instead, the council says anyone threatened with homelessness will be referred to their housing solutions service.

Tenants will also not be allowed to apply for a new home within 12 months of moving – unless they have a new housing need.

Liberal Democrat councillors have voiced concerns about the proposed new policy.

Cllr Mark Wilkes said: “Residents who have lost their job or find themselves in financial difficulty would be hit. Anyone with mortgage or rent arrears would not be allowed to put their name down.

“Talk about kicking people when they are down. Social housing is there precisely to help those struggling. These options shouldn’t even be on the table.”

Sarah Robson, from the council, said: “The current policy means potential tenants have to be eight weeks behind in their rent payments before we are able to get involved, talk to them about possible financial difficulties they may be having and direct them to help and support. As a result we are currently consulting on removing this barrier so we can assess all applications on a case by case basis. If agreed, it will see us support people experiencing financial difficulties at an earlier stage and allow us to be more proactive in getting them help and advice.

“Early indications suggest that both tenants and housing providers are overwhelmingly supportive of these positive changes.”