THE clock is ticking down towards the end of a consultation process which offers a chance for local resdients to have an input into how rare council home opportunities are distributed.

Thurrock Council has been seeking the views and feedback of all those impacted by its housing allocations policy which stipulates hoe the council allocates the housing stock that is available to it.

The council admits that 'the demand for social housing in the borough far outstrips the supply that the council has available'. It adds: "Therefore we must prioritise those with the greatest need.

"This means that for most households the chances of being offered a property by the council are extremely low and other housing options will need to be identified and considered.

"Thurrock Council has a duty to prioritise certain groups of people but the council may also use its discretionary powers to meet the needs of other priority groups and local priorities."

The Housing Allocations Policy was last updated in 2019 and the council says new input needs to be taken into account. It launched its consultation on 22 July and it closes on Sunday (7 August).

The council says views expressed by residents will be crucial as it will help it understand the areas that need to be explored in a review. It adds a second phase of engagement will follow in August/September 2022 for discussion around a set of proposed changes to the policy based on the feedback collected in the first phase.

A final report and revised policy will then be produced for approval based on all the feedback received, with the new policy anticipated to take effect in Spring 2023. To make your views known to the council, click this link: Survey