What is a Common Housing Register?

The Government's definition of a CHR is:

 A group of landlords devising a single application form by which anyone seeking housing in their area can register their need and specify their housing preferences.  Participating landlords then prioritise and select applicants from the single pool of applicants.

Within a CHR, applicants complete a single, shared application form which enables them to be considered for housing by all social landlords with stock in that area. In doing so, it makes the process of applying for housing easier, simpler and fairer.

Current legislative and regulatory position

 The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 does not make CHRs mandatory, but Section 8 sets out powers which require local authorities to submit proposals for establishing and maintaining a CHR. Within this power there is also an implied duty on registered social landlords (RSLs) to participate in local CHRs.

Is there a CHR in West Dunbartonshire?

Since 2003, the Council and Registered Social Landlords operating in West Dunbartonshire have been trying to establish an operational CHR.  This project is ongoing.