FAQs

A lettings plan sets out how new council homes will be allocated. It helps decide who is prioritised for housing, the types of rent and how we create balanced, sustainable communities.

We are building new council homes across the Borough and want to make sure they are allocated in a way that reflects local needs. Your feedback will help shape future decisions about:

• How and who is prioritised for housing.
• How we support existing tenants.
• How we create safe and positive communities.

The survey is open to all council tenants. We want to hear from as many residents as possible to ensure a wide range of views are considered.

The survey should take around 5-10 minutes to complete. 

We are building a mix of new homes, including houses and flats of different sizes. Many of these homes will be modern and energy-efficient meaning:

• Lower energy bills.
• More comfortable living.
• Better quality homes.

Affordable rent is a type of council housing where rents are lower than private rents in the area - usually up to 80% of market rent.

These homes are:

• Secure and long-term.
• Eligible for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (if you qualify).
• Often cheaper to run due to energy efficiency.

Including some affordable rent homes helps us to fund and deliver more new homes overall. This means we can:

• Build more council homes in the future for local people.
• Help reduce waiting times on the housing register.
• Support families who are currently in temporary or overcrowded housing.

No. This survey is about understanding your views. If you are interested in moving, you will still be able to consider your options before making any decision.

We understand that some questions may feel sensitive. These topics are important when considering how to create safe, fair, and sustainable communities. Your answers will help us understand what residents feel is reasonable and fair.

If you move to a different type of home (for example, affordable rent), your rent may change.

However, you may still be eligible for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.

If you move to another council house, you will still have a secure tenancy (subject to the type of tenancy offered at the time). Details would always be explained clearly before you agree to move.

Some households may be living in homes that are larger than they need, while others are waiting for more space. Understanding views on household needs helps us to:

• Make best use of existing homes.
• Free up larger homes for families.
• Offer suitable options for those who want to move.

We want our new developments to be safe, respectful places where people feel comfortable in their homes. Your views will help us understand how behaviour should be considered when allocating homes.

We are asking for your views on this through the survey. In general, existing tenants who need to move (for example due to overcrowding or downsizing) are often considered alongside people on the housing register. The final approach will be informed by resident feedback and council policy.

You will be able to express an interest in specific locations, but we cannot guarantee that a home will be available in your preferred area. Your preferences will help us understand demand across different sites.

This will depend on the type of home and the lettings plan. We are asking for your views on pets in the survey to help shape future decisions.

Yes. Your responses will be used to inform the lettings plans and will be managed in line with data protection requirements.

The results of the survey will be used to:

• Inform future lettings plans.
• Support decision-making.
• Help shape how new homes are allocated.

We may also share a summary of the results.

If you need the survey in another format or require support: 

• Call our Customer Services team for support at 01277 312500.
• Request a paper survey at Brentwood Town Hall, Council Offices, Ingrave Rd, Brentwood CM15 8AY, or email housingadmin@brentwood.gov.uk to be sent one in the post.

Yes. There is an opportunity in the survey to share any additional feedback.