The system for people looking for social housing in St Helens is changing in Spring 2025 and anyone who might be affected is urged to take note.

In Spring 2025, a new Housing Allocations Policy, designed to simplify the application system, is being introduced by St Helens Borough Council, which will impact Under One Roof - the housing register for anyone looking for social or affordable housing in St Helens.

The change in policy follows an independent review and is designed to give more priority to local people and better reflect people's circumstances at a local level.

The changes to the criteria for who can qualify for the scheme will impact on factors such as an applicant’s connection to the St Helens area, whether they own a property, how much they might have in savings, whether they are under 18, and whether they have previously had rent arrears or displayed unacceptable behaviour.

There is no need for anyone registered with Under One Roof (St Helens) to do anything just yet ahead of these changes coming in – this is just advance notification.

In the coming months, applicants already registered on the list, who are likely to be affected by these changes will be contacted directly by Under One Roof.

People are being asked to regularly check the Under One Roof website for updates, frequently asked questions, and news at www.u-1-r.co.uk/content/StHelensUnderOneRoofischanging

Read any emails, letters or Under One Roof account messages that might be sent directly - and respond to any requests for information to assess their case under the new policy.

What isn’t changing is how all available properties are advertised, how people can bid on them and where all the information in relation to registering and bidding is found, which will remain www.u-1-r.co.uk.