Major changes to who is eligible for social housing in Watford will soon be implemented by a council.

All 4,800 people on the housing register will be asked to reapply under Watford Borough Council’s revised Housing Nomination Policy, agreed by Cabinet on Monday.

The council has decided to restrict access to the housing register due to the high demand for housing. Only 395 of 4,800 people were provided social housing last year.

Under the plan, only applicants who have lived in the town for five out of the previous six years will now be eligible - with "limited exceptions" for transfer applicants.

And 3,800 Band E applicants will no longer eligible for social housing, apart from housing association tenants and people over 60 seeking designated accommodation.

Councillor Steve Johnson said: "This is about rationing a scarce resource to where it can make the most impact in our community and support people in considering the full range of housing options available to them.

"We have the opportunity to prioritise local homes for local people.

"Other authorities in Herts Choice Homes have already implemented new policies which prioritise their community and we owe it to Watford residents to do the same."

It said 72 percent of registrants in Band E - those designated adequately housed - have not bid for a property in the past year, with 32 percent of applicants in that band currently living outside of Watford.

People with ‘adequate resources to rent or buy privately’ will be removed from the register with ‘strong sanctions’ against those who refuse a property without medical reasons.

The authority said: "As it currently stands, the way housing is administered in Watford is inefficient and out of step with our neighbouring boroughs. 

"We want to ensure that the long-term residents of Watford are the priority, and we also want to provide people with certainty and clarity so that they are better able to make decisions about where they live."

Letters will be sent to everyone currently on the housing register explaining the changes and next steps.

The council added: "We realise these changes may cause concern and our housing team will work to keep everyone informed and supported throughout the transition.

"It is important to remember that this relates to the provision of social housing; alternative private accommodation is available and we will continue to work with those who are eligible to find the best option we can." 

Visit www.watford.gov.uk/housing from Friday to read a Q & A about the proposals.