Sheffield Property Shop

Sheffield City Council launched its Allocations Policy in April 2016 following an extensive review and consultation exercise. In the years that have followed, we have continued to review and assess the impact of the policy as well as changes to legislation. 

Following on from this review, the Council has made a number of small changes to the Allocations Policy aimed at making it easier to understand as well as simplifying some elements which were sometimes confusing. We have also amended sections which have been impacted by changes to legislation such as the Homelessness Reduction Act and taken this opportunity to correct a small number of spelling and other drafting errors. These amendments come into effect from today, 03/08/2020.

A summary of the changes are below:

• Removal of the inactive register. Applications will now remain active.
• Renaming of the bands to eliminate confusion as to their purpose and the level of need of applicants within each band.
• Updating our provisions following the introduction of the Homelessness Prevention Act.
• Updating our provisions relating to succession.
• Removing sections of the policy for demolition schemes which are now complete.
• Correcting spelling and other drafting errors.

A copy of the Allocations Policy can be found on the Sheffield Property Shop or the Council's website.

Special Feature - Older Persons Independent Living

Older Persons Indpendent Living (OPIL) accommodation is high quality housing for people aged 60+ and designed for those who enjoy independent living and provides comfortable accommodation with added safety and security.

We encourage social interaction and community spirit to prevent people feeling lonely and isolated. We work closely with other agencies such as Live Well to deliver age well sessions and chairobics. We provide peace of mind for individuals and family members ensuring help is on hand in emergencies.

Our tenants tell us that they enjoy the benefits of the safety and security of living in OPIL accommodation. They value their independence and living in OPIL accommodation helps them to remain independent. It has been invaluable for some in making new friends and learning new skills such as crafts and cooking.

Features of OPIL acommodation:

• Outdoor communal gardens.
• Inside communal spaces including kitchen and laundry room.
• Low level support and help is on hand when you need it. This is reviewed by your Neighbourhood Officer every 6 months.
• The communal areas provide a space for a variety of activities which encourage social interaction and community spirit amongst residents; helping prevent people from feeling lonely and isolated. Activities include film afternoons, fish and chip lunches, coffee mornings, craft sessions and reminiscence sessions.

Support:

We provide peace of mind for individuals and family members, ensuring help is on hand in emergencies. All accommodation includes the City Wide Care Alarms 24 hour emergency response service.

Our Neighbourhood Officers complete a support plan with all residents to help identify needs, provide a low level support service and check on how you are. Our Caretakers keep the communal areas clean both inside and outside.

Before offering you any OPIL accommodation we will check to make sure it meets all your housing needs. You will also be invited to an accompanied viewing without any commitment to sign for the property.