New powers will give homes to local people

Councils were today handed the right to give priority to local people when allocating council houses in a move designed to counter the "myth" of queue jumping by migrants.

Under the government reforms, town hall chiefs can give more weight to applications from those who live in their area or have strong family ties to it.

Councils will also be able to prioritise people with a record of good behaviour and downgrade applications from others who engage in anti-social activities or fail to pay their rent.

They will have the power to set aside housing for key workers such as teachers or nurses, and for members of the Armed Forces. People who have spent a long period on a council house waiting list may also be moved to the front of the queue.

The guidelines, unveiled by Housing Minister John Healey, state that while preference should normally be given to those in greatest need - such as the homeless - councils can adapt allocation rules to suit local circumstances.

Town hall chiefs can use local connections as a "tie-breaking" factor between those with a high level of need, as well as set aside some of its housing for long-term residents or those with strong links to the area.

Mr Healey said: "People must be given confidence that council homes are allocated fairly. In some areas this will mean giving more priority to people who have been on waiting lists for a long time or have strong local connections.

"The demands on housing are rarely well explained to local people. This helps give rise to the mistaken view that housing goes to those who have no legitimate right to it."

The guidance follows fears that the shortage of properties has allowed Right-wing extremists, such as the BNP, to exploit residents' frustrations by pinning the blame on immigrants.

It also comes after a series of recent speeches by ministers emphasising the need to listen to the concerns of the white working-class.