The G15RG responds to the London Assembly's Call for Evidence on Social Housing Allocations

The G15 Residents’ Group (G15RG) has shared its views on Social Housing Allocations with the London Assembly. 

Drawing on residents’ lived experience of the system, the group welcomes the review and calls for urgent reform to make allocations fairer, clearer and more consistent across London. Residents describe the current system as complex, inconsistent and emotionally demanding, with large variations between boroughs and a lack of transparency about how decisions are made.

The G15RG highlighted:

• Major inconsistencies between boroughs, creating a “postcode lottery” for applicants.

• Poor communication and limited transparency about how waiting lists and priorities are managed.

• Rigid, impersonal systems that don’t recognise individual needs or circumstances, especially for older or disabled residents.

• Delays and inefficiencies that leave homes empty unnecessarily.

• Limited opportunities for residents to shape how allocation policies are designed or reviewed.

To address these issues, residents recommend:

• A London-wide framework for fair and consistent allocation criteria.

• Better communication and data-sharing between councils and housing associations.

• Resident-led reviews of allocation policies to ensure lived experience informs reform.

• Faster turnaround of empty homes through joint council/ housing association protocols.

• Cross-borough collaboration to widen access to suitable homes.

• Improved downsizing support to free up larger homes for families.

• Stronger partnerships between councils and housing associations to deliver more affordable homes.

The G15RG concludes that the allocations system needs urgent reform to rebuild fairness, trust and transparency, and to make sure that London’s limited social housing is used in the best possible way for those who need it most.

Read their full submission below.