Housing Options FAQs

Can I get a council house?

In May 2004 we transferred ownership of our housing stock to a housing association (Saffron Housing Trust), which means we do not have any homes any more.

I cannot make a housing application online, why not?

We have changed our service to focus on customers with a housing need. There is limited social housing to rent in South Norfolk and more households seek homes than are available. Therefore we will assess your housing need and discuss with you all your housing options. If you have accommodation that is adequate for your needs, it is unlikely that you will need advice from us.

Can I apply to go on the housing register?

If you telephone the housing and advice team we will ask you questions to see what your circumstances are and whether you have a housing need.

I live a long way from South Norfolk and cannot get to the office for an interview, can I complete a form and send the information by post?

No, the Council are not sending paper forms as we need to manage the limited social housing by discussing your housing needs, verifying your circumstances and suggesting other options if you wish to move but are adequately housed.

I live in South Norfolk but cannot get to South Norfolk Council, will you visit me?

When you contact the housing and advice team they will discuss other ways you may be able to get to the office, possibly by bus or by car (maybe a relative or friend will bring you). If you do not feel these options are available to you please let us know: if you have a support agency (for example hospital or Social Services) who can verify that you are unable to travel we will discuss other options, either a visit or meeting at another location nearer to you.

Why have I not been given an interview date?

If, when you first make contact on the telephone, we find that you do not have a housing need then it is unlikely you will be offered an interview as there will be other people with a housing need who will have priority. 

What happens at the interview?

We will check the documents and information you have supplied to enable us to verify and assess your housing needs and where you want to live. We will discuss housing options. We will need your signed consent if we have to make further enquiries. If we verify you have a need for housing we will discuss all the ways in which we may be able to assist, which may include social housing.

I do not have an urgent housing need but I am interested in housing that is being built in my parish, can you help?

Please telephone the housing and advice team who will explain the criteria. You may not be offered an interview immediately if the housing you are interested in is not yet being developed but will be advised when to call us again.