Housing

Strategic Housing Services works to a number of key strategies and documents to make sure that we achieve our aims and make sure our vision becomes a reality.

Our Aims

The key aims of Strategic Housing Services are to;

Assess local housing needs and understand the local housing market.
Develop effective partnerships to increase the supply of affordable housing.
Prevent and minimize homelessness.
Improve conditions in the private sector.
Enable people to live independently in their own homes.

Strategies & Policies

Title	Description
Housing Enabling Strategy 2023-2026	The need and demand for access to high-quality and affordable housing in Worcester is high and a key strategic priority for the City Council. The Housing Enabling Strategy provides the strategic vision, methodology and increased focus on the provision of affordable housing in Worcester. It is a recognition that a coordinated and robust approach is required to meet the challenges posed and to promote a coordinated and effective response to maximise the opportunities to deliver more affordable housing in the City.
Private Sector Stock Conditions Survey 2015	This report provides a review of the current condition of private dwellings across the city, to assess the impact of recent policies and initiatives, and to enable informed decisions to be made relating to future private sector housing policies and potential intervention programmes.
Housing Assistance Policy	The Housing Assistance Policy, sets out the basis on which an agent working on behalf of Worcester City Council will offer financial assistance for works of repair or renewal in the private housing sector. The document outlines a range of financial assistance and the key objective of the policy is to assist vulnerable people to achieve decent, suitable and affordable homes in sustainable communities. It is to be read in conjunction with the City Council's Private Sector Housing Renewal Strategy which is currently being updated and subject to review.
pdf Housing Enforcement Policy (511 KB)	The Housing Act 2004 introduced powers for local authorities to assess housing conditions and contained a package of enforcement measures. These powers, together with other legislation such as the Housing Act 1985, Renters Rights Act 2025 and Protection from Eviction Act 1977, can be used to tackle poor housing conditions. The purpose of the enforcement policy is to outline the Council's approach to tackling poor housing conditions and the approach we will take when considering enforcement action ensuring that we deal with everyone in a consistent and fair way.
Worcestershire Strategic Housing Partnership Pla	The Worcestershire Housing Partnership Plan (Plan) is the overarching document setting the strategic direction for housing across Worcestershire. It recognises that to maximise the health, wealth and wellbeing of the residents of Worcestershire and make the most effective use of existing resources, we need to work very closely with partner organisations across a range of sectors. An annual update on progress is reported with the publication of an annual state of the nation plan.
Worcester City Tenancy Strategy	In response to the Localism Act (2012), the Worcester City Tenancy Strategy has been developed: To ensure that affordable housing meets local housing need To provide guidance and direction to RP partners in the development of their tenancy policies To provide a framework for up to date knowledge of the housing market in Worcestershire that can then be used to inform policy and practice To indicate to tenants and prospective tenants what they can expect from their tenancy
pdf Private Sector Housing Strategy 2025-2030 (459 KB)	The Worcester City Private Sector Renewal Strategy sets out how we will improve conditions within the private sector and enable people to remain in their own homes.
Private Sector Housing Strategy Action Plan Extension	Extension of the Worcester City Housing Strategy Action Plan until 2022
Private Sector Renewal Strategy	Progress on delivery of year 4 actions.
Worcestershire Strategic Housing Market Assessment	Currently being updated
Home Energy Conservation Act 1995	The Act requires that every energy conservation authority prepares a report to send to the Secretary of State. The report will be required to be published on the authorities website with a link sent to the Secretary of State by the specified date. "The report shall set out energy conservation measures that the authority considers practicable, cost effective and likely to result in significant improvement in the energy efficiency of residential accommodation in its area" Definitions- "energy conservation authority" means a local housing authority within the meaning of the Housing Act 1985 "energy conservation measures" includes information, advice, education, promotion, making grants and loans and carrying out works "residential accommodation" means premises occupied or intended to be occupied as a separate dwelling and forming the whole or part of a building
Private Sector Housing Research Project 2012	This report has been prepared following an instruction from Worcester City Council to undertake an investigation into the best use of a commuted sum arising through Planning Obligations made under section 106 (as amended) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The brief includes a specific requirement to give an indication of the level of spend required for each proposal along with Empty Properties,Licensing, Delivery of New Affordable Housing Units on Identified Sites and Access to Home Ownership.
Worcestershire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2022-25	The Worcestershire Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy 2022-25 is the result of a collaboration across the six Local Housing Authorities (LHAs) with input and support from the voluntary and community sector (VCS) and statutory partners. Our strategic objective is to end homelessness and rough sleeping but where it does occur to ensure that it is brief, rare, and non-recurrent. This means providing a wide raft of services both directly and through commissioned partners to assist people that are rough sleeping to come off the streets, provide early intervention services to potentially homeless households, deliver new build homes, and make the best use of existing stock and to tackle landlords providing unsuitable accommodation or illegally evicting tenants. The LHAs can tackle homelessness through direct delivery of services, collaboration with partners, and through raising awareness of homelessness and rough sleeping throughout Worcestershire to ensure everyone knows where to go to get help or help other people facing homelessness. To inform the strategy, we have undertaken a Homelessness Review (593 KB) which includes the mapping of services, data collection, service providers feedback and the feedback from People With Lived Experience (PWLE). This information has been used to inform the strategy along with outcomes from our stakeholder day and consultation responses. This strategy will govern our approach for three years. However, it is vital that it remains responsive and will therefore be kept under constant review. The strategy document contains a Worcestershire action plan, but Worcester City has developed its own action plan (94 KB) to meet the specific needs of the city.

We provide a home visit service for immigration or visa applicants who need to provide evidence that they have suitable housing accommodation within the United Kingdom. This evidence must show that the premises they intend to occupy doesn't have any Category One hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (e.g. unfit accommodation) and will not become overcrowded when they take up residence. The British High Commission in various countries will accept evidence from a private surveyor or the local authority. There is a charge for this service.

What we need from you

We must see the request from the relevant High Commission to enable us to verify the name of the person entering the country and the address they intend to occupy. It is also important that the request shows the High Commission's reference number as we need this for any correspondence.

You will need to contact Private Sector Housing to arrange to pay the charge for the inspection to be carried out. Once the invoice has been paid an Officer will contact you to arrange a convenient date. Please note we are unable to undertake any inspection until the charge has been paid and we are unable to advise on how long it may take for you to be invoiced. Therefore, please allow sufficient time from application to Visa deadlines.

What we will do for you

During the inspection the officer will ensure the property is suitable for the incoming applicant(s). They will also ensure that the incoming applicant(s) have the permission of the property owner and any relevant 3rd party, to occupy the property. Following the inspection Worcester City Council will provide the British High Commission with a report of the property, a copy of which will be sent to the sponsor. This will normally be within 10 working days.

Contact us

Private Sector Housing Team

Telephone: 01905 722233 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

My home needs repairs or adaptations but I can't afford to do them

If you are struggling to pay for repairs in your property you may be entitled to Home Repair Assistance. This is a grant for homeowners on certain means-tested benefits who have serious hazards in their homes but are unable to afford to repair the problem themselves. This service is undertaken by Millbrook Health.

If you have difficulty accessing your home you may be eligible for a Disabled Facility Grant (DFG). This is a grant to enable applicants to have access to and around their homes, or to use essential facilities in the home to enable them to live independently. Please contact your Occupational Therapist or Millbrook Health for further information.

The Council also offers energy efficiency grants periodically. These help homeowners and landlords install measures such as insulation or renewables providing, they are eligible.

I can no longer afford to keep my home

If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage, there are lots of options that you may want to consider and there is a lot of help out there. Paying your mortgage should be your top financial priority as your home is at risk of being repossessed should you fail to do so. For further information go to our Mortgage Arrears Page.

Mortgage Arrears Advice

Relationship breakdown

If you are currently going through a relationship breakdown, then it is important that you understand your housing rights. If your name is on the mortgage then you will have rights to remain at the property, but even if your name is not on the mortgage then this does not automatically mean you do not have rights to the property. Please do not leave the accommodation without receiving advice about your rights to the property. For further advice please see the Shelter leaflet and website. If you require legal advice, please contact Citizen’s Advice.

Citizen’s Advice - 0808 278 7891
Shelter Website - Shelter Guide Leaflet

Domestic abuse and harassment

If you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse the Housing & Welfare Options Team can help, find you emergency accommodation and provide specific help and support, working with specialist services to ensure you receive the most appropriate support as quickly as possible.

Housing & Welfare Options Team - 01905 722589
Out of Hours – Outside of our working hours, you can get assistance information on 01905 722233 if your call is an emergency.
In an emergency situation phone 999 and ask for the Police.

I own my own home but can I still apply for a council/housing association property?

Households who have assets, equity, savings, or capital of over £60,000 and are assessed as able to compete in the private market will not be eligible to join Housing for You, the social housing bidding system.

However, if a household is in receipt of a pension or fixed income where they are unable to obtain a mortgage, they would be allowed equity, savings, or capital of up to £95,000. The savings etc. of all adult members of the household should be taken into account.

If the equity in your property is less than the amounts stated above, then you would be able to apply to Housing for You. Please visit Housing Register website for details of the Allocations Policy and how to apply.

Emergency (including flooding and fires)

If your property has been damaged due to an emergency situation such as a flood or fire and the property is not safe to return to, you should first try and source accommodation with family or friends and contact your insurance company. If you are unable to source accommodation through family or friends and find yourself homeless then you should call the Housing Advice Team who will be able to advise you accordingly.

If you require further advice about flooding please visit our Flooding Page.

Housing Advice Team - 01905 722589
Flooding Information

I have pests or are facing nuisances at my property

Worcestershire Regulatory Services are responsible for pest and gull control across the County along with nuisance complaints. Nuisances can include noise, bonfires, smoke, accumulations and rubbish, light, dust and odour, or insects and flies.

Worcestershire Regulatory Services - 01905 822799

Benefit cap - Worcestershire residents

Currently there is a cap on the total amount of benefits a household can receive each week if you are working age. Under the benefit cap, those living in the UK outside Greater London will receive a maximum of:

£384.62 per week (£20,000 a year) for a couple.
£384.62 per week (£20,000 a year) for single people whose children live with them.
£257.69 per week (£13,400 a year) for single people who do not have children or whose children do not live with them.

The Benefit Cap applies to those households that includes someone of “working age”

Many benefits are described as being for people of working age (e.g. Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support and Employment and Support Allowance). This usually means you have to be over 16 but under Pension Credit age to claim them.

The benefit cap does not apply to those households that include someone who is receiving:

If you have been employed continuously for 12 months, and lose your job through no fault of your own, the benefit cap won’t apply to you for the first 39 weeks of your claim.
Benefit Cap Calculator
The government has provided the Benefit Cap Calculator to give you an estimate of how much your benefit might be capped.

You can't check if you’re affected by the benefit cap if you're claiming Universal Credit.
You'll need to know the amounts of each benefit you get to use the calculator and the number of people in your household.
Your household includes you, your partner and any children that you’re responsible for and who live with you.

If you are affected by the Benefit Cap then the reduction in your benefits will be deducted from your housing benefit and you will be responsible for paying the shortfall.

Child Benefit

Child Benefit is paid at a higher rate for your oldest child. This is £21.05 a week. If you have other children, you get £13.95 a week for each of them.

If you get Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, and have been since before 6 April 2004 with a child element included, Child Benefit will affect the amount of Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance you receive.

If you or your partner have an individual income of £50,000 or more and you receive Child Benefit, an income tax charge has been introduced as a way to reduce the value of the Child Benefit you get. See High income Child Benefit tax charge.

The government has provided the Child Benefit tax calculator to give you an estimate of how much your benefit might be capped.

Child Tax Credits

Tax Credits has been replaced by Universal Credit for most people. You can only make a claim for tax credits if you fit the following criteria;

You get the severe disability premium within any current legacy benefit (Housing Benefit, Income Support, Employment & Support Allowance (Income related), Jobseekers Allowance (Income based) or Working Tax Credits.
Got or were entitled to the severe disablement premium in the last month and still eligible for it within any benefits listed above.

Currently under child tax regulations, you could get Child Tax Credits for each child you are responsible for if they are:

Under 21
Under 20 and in eligible training

ON THE 6 APRIL 2017, RULES CAME INTO FORCE LIMITING THE FAMILY ELEMENT OF CHILD TAX CREDIT AND UNIVERSAL CREDIT AWARDS TO TWO CHILDREN FOR ANY CHILDREN BORN AFTER THIS DATE.

How much you get depends on your circumstances. You can use the Tax Credit Calculator to find out how much you may be entitled to. If you don’t meet the above criteria to claim Tax credits please visit the Universal Credit homepage.

Council Tax Support - Worcester City

Council Tax Support is the system under which councils give discounts on Council Tax bills to help people who have a low income. Before April 2013 it was called Council Tax Benefit

From 1 April 2014 changes were made to Council Tax Support in Worcester for some working age people. Pensioners will not be affected.

The following applies to all working age council tax support claims from the 1 April 2014 onwards;

No backdating facility. It is important that you make a new claim for help straight away to avoid losing assistance with your bill.
The amount of Council Tax Support you are entitled to will be capped to a Band D property. You can still apply if you live in a property with a higher band but the award will be capped to the equivalent charge to a Band D in your area.
The maximum capital threshold for working age customers is £6,000.
The minimum entitlement to Council Tax Support to qualify for help is £5.00 per week.
Spousal Maintenance is taken into account as income into the household alongside any earnings or unearned income.

Local Housing Allowance - Private Landlords

The Valuation office agency determine Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates to calculate Housing Benefit for tenants renting from private landlords. LHA rates are based on private market rents being paid by tenants in the Broad rental Market Area (BRMA). A BRMA is a distinct area of residential accommodation within which a person could reasonably be expected to live which includes a varying range of accommodation and tenancies. The LHA rates are fixed at the 30^th Percentile point for rents in each size dwelling, based on market rents paid by tenants who are not receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing Costs.

*Due to COVID-19 the LHA rates were increased from April 2020. Please see below weekly rates relevant to Worcester City residents.

Worcester City LHA Rates from April 2020

Bedrooms	Room Rate *	1 Bed	2 Bed	3 Bed	4 Bed
Worcester City	£84.27	£115.07	£143.84	£172.60	£218.63
The room rate is the “shared accommodation rate” .This applies to single people under 35* and do not have dependent children or a severe disability premium within any benefits that they claim. The bedroom allowance is capped to a 4 bedroom rate even if your family require additional bedrooms.
This table shows the weekly amount of Housing Benefit that will be paid for any tenant living within general needs accommodation in Worcester City

Under the LHA rules the maximum amount of Housing Benefit you can receive will be decided by the number of bedrooms you require – not the number of bedrooms you have. The amount of benefit you receive may reduce depending upon your income, savings and circumstances and the Benefit Cap.

One room is allowed as a bedroom for each of the following occupiers, each person only counting in the first category which applies to them:

A couple
A single person aged 16 or more
Two children of the same sex under the age of 16
Two children (of the same or opposite sexes) under the age of 10
A child under the age of 16

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability if you’re aged 16 to 64.

The rate depends on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself.

You’ll need an assessment to work out the level of help you get. Your rate will be regularly reassessed to make sure you’re getting the right support.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) has ended for people who were born after 8 April 1948 and are 16 or over.
You can keep getting DLA if you’re under 16 or you were born on or before 8 April 1948 and have an existing claim.
Your carer could get Carer’s Allowance if you have substantial caring needs.
You’ll continue to get DLA until the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) writes to you to:
tell you when it will end
invite you to apply for PIP

Help with PIP

You can contact a local support organisation to get help understanding PIP.

Under Occupation in Social Housing

Government rules introduced in 2013 reduced the amount of Housing Benefit and Housing Costs through Universal Credit that both council and housing association tenants can claim if their home is considered too large for their needs. These rules only affect people of working age, Pensioners remain unaffected. This under occupation reduction is commonly referred to as the 'bedroom tax'.

The maximum rent that can be covered by either Housing Benefit or Housing Costs within Universal Credit will be reduced by the following;

14% if you have 1 additional bedroom to requirement.
25% if you have 2 or more additional bedroom’s to requirement.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a single monthly payment for working age people in or out of work, which replaces the following benefits:

Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based)
Employment & Support Allowance (Income related)
Income Support
Housing Benefit
Child & Working Tax Credits.

Universal Credit will be paid to a single claimant in each household, in arrears, once per calendar month. The date that the Universal Credit will be paid is determined by the date you make your claim.

All claims for Universal Credit have to be made on-line at www.gov.uk/universalcredit.
If you need assistance or advice on making a claim for Universal Credit, then you can access the ‘help to claim service’ provided by Citizen’s Advice.

Below is a list of information required to complete the form:

Your postcode
Your National Insurance number
Details of the bank, building society or credit union account you want your Universal Credit paid into
Your rent agreement (if you have one)
Details of your savings or other capita
Details of any other income that’s not from work e.g. from an insurance plan
Details of any other benefits you are getting
Details of any children, including their child benefit numbers if you have them
You might also need these details for people who live in your home e.g. your partner

Universal Credit is being introduced in stages throughout the country. You should currently only move over to Universal Credit if you need to make a new claim for any of the benefits listed above.

Support and information

Appeal a Benefit Decision	How you appeal a benefit decision depends on: the type of benefit you applied for and the date the decision was made
The Money Advice Service	Has a lot of help and information to help you with budgeting and planning for Universal Credit.
Turn2US	Is a free service that helps people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – online, by phone and face to face through our partner organisations? Their website can help you find financial support, quickly and easily, based on your circumstances. It features a free and easy to use Benefits Calculator, Grants Search and other information and resources
Worcester Citizens Advice Bureau & WHABAC provide	A free, independent, confidential and impartial service. They offer a range of services, supporting people, providing information / advice and directing people to the best source of help for their issue.
Worcestershire Advice Network website	Deliver advice and information services across the county. Their services are free, independent, impartial and confidential. Worcestershire Advice Network is a partnership between; Five Worcestershire Citizen Advice bureaux as well as South Worcestershire DIAL and North Worcestershire DIAL who provide information and advice to disabled people and others on all aspects of living with a disability. If you cannot find what you are looking for: Complete the online form. They will get back to you within three working days.
Shelter	The housing and homelessness charity, give free independent advice and information on housing to help you understand your rights and options.
The Housing Advice Team	If you would like to speak to somebody for housing advice or homelessness enquiries, you can contact the team as follows: Tel: 01905 722589 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. If you are concerned that you are at risk of becoming homeless, it is really important that you seek advice at the earliest opportunity. In the first instance, you should speak to a customer services advisor - this is located in Trinity Street Housing Advice Centre, Trinity Street Worcester, WR1 2PW..
If you are a tenant of a housing association in Worcester and are having problems with your rent you should contact them in the first instance as they have a lot of help and support to offer such as Welfare Reform Advisors and Debt Advisors

Gas Safety checks

Guidance for landlords has been issued by Gas Safe for information in relation to obtaining Gas Safe certificates. Please check their website for further updates.

Obviously the situation is changing daily however landlords remain legally obligated to ensure properties meet the required standard – urgent essential health and safety repairs should be made.

This is a challenging time for us all. The Private Sector Housing team are still here to help and any specific enquiries can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Thinking of evicting?

If you are a landlord and you are considering serving notice on your tenant to leave the property, please contact the Private Sector Housing Team first on 01905 722288 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The Private Sector Housing Team may be able to help you to resolve tenancy issues or problems with your tenant. Preventing homelessness is beneficial for both landlords and tenants.

What notice do I serve?

To find this out check the tenancy agreement you have signed with your tenant. Once you have found this out you will then be able to determine the correct notice to serve. Serving the correct notice is important because if your tenant refuses to leave the property you must then go to court to enforce the notice; if your original notice is incorrect you will have to start the process all over again. See the Shelter and Direct Gov website below for further information or alternatively contact the Housing Department.

My tenant won't leave

If correct notice has been served but your tenant is unwilling to leave the property at the end of the tenancy, you must obtain a Possession Order from the County Court in order to legally evict them. It is extremely important that you, as the landlord, follow the correct legal procedure before evicting a tenant, as failure to do so may result in legal action taken against you by Worcester City Council for harassment and illegal eviction. If you are unsure what procedure to follow please see the Direct Gov website, the Notice That You Must Serve leaflet, or contact the Housing Department.

Can I evict my tenant myself?

No, the only person who can legally evict a tenant is a Court Appointed Bailiff. The bailiff will execute the Possession Order which has been issued to you by the County Court. If you are unsure what the procedure is for eviction check the Direct Gov website for advice on evicting tenants or contact the Housing Department.

How do I gain entry to my property?

As a landlord you are allowed to gain entry to your property if required. You are required to give reasonable notice to your tenant. We recommend that you give as long a notification period as possible before your visit. The Shelter website outlines some examples to tenants of what they consider harassment by a landlord or letting agent. Please visit the Shelter website for more information.

Mortgage arrears / being repossessed

If you are a landlord of a property and you are experiencing financial problems and struggling to meet your mortgage payments, you must act now as the sooner you act the more chance there is of resolving your problem.

You should first speak to your mortgage lender to inform them of your current situation and see if they can offer any solutions. You should contact Citizen Advice Bureau or the National Debtline who can offer confidential debt advice. Please find the numbers below. You may also find it useful to read the Mortgage Advice leaflet.

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit is designed to help people on benefits or on a low income with their rental payments. If accepting a tenant in receipt of Housing Benefit you may need to consider if the rent is set in accordance with the Local Housing Allowance Rates. The Local Housing Allowance rates are available by visiting the Housing Benefit page.

The tenant may be required to pay some of the rent if the Housing Benefit does not cover the full amount of rent. In this case, you and the tenant should make arrangements on how this will be paid. For further information on Housing Benefit please visit the Housing Benefit page.