A public consultation is under way to discuss proposed changes to St Albans City and District Council's social housing allocations policy.

This policy outlines the process for selecting new tenants from the district's housing register for the council's 4,800 social rent homes and 1,200 housing association homes.

Approximately 300 properties are let each year.

The policy review aims to ensure "fair and effective allocation", with priority given to those in greatest need.

The council is encouraging all district residents with an interest in housing to complete a short survey and share their views.

Councillor Jacqui Taylor, chair of the housing and inclusion committee, said: "These are significant changes which we are proposing so I would urge anyone involved with the district’s social housing to take part in the consultation.

"We want to hear from tenants, people on our housing register and those with an interest in the issue to let us know their views.

"All feedback will be analysed before any decisions are made."

Proposed changes to the policy include increasing the maximum household income allowed for inclusion on the housing register.

This increase aims to account for the impact of inflation.

The proposed changes also suggest lowering the age limit for bungalow applications from 60 to 55, provided the applicant can demonstrate a medical need such as reduced mobility.

Additional priority would be given to those transferring from a four-bedroom property to a two-bedroom home to increase the availability of larger homes.

The consultation, which opened on November 4, will run for six weeks.

A report will be delivered to the housing and inclusion committee on January 20, when councillors will decide whether to accept the proposed changes.

If accepted, the revised income limits will be set at £46,686.20 for a one-bedroom home, £61,964.86 for a two-bedroom property, £72,228.23 for a three-bedroom property, and £89,536.67 for a home with four or more bedrooms.

These figures represent sizeable increases from the current annual gross household income limits of £36,295, £48,173, £56,152, and £69,608 respectively.

For more information about the consultation and to participate, visit smartsurvey.co.uk/s/GOLXUX/.