FAMILIES will no longer automatically be able to upsize if living in council housing under a new policy.

Winchester City Council approved to make changes to its mutual exchange arrangements at a cabinet member for housing and asset management decision day.

In a report by portfolio holder Cllr Kelsie Learney it details that in 2018/19 46 housing swaps took place and 22 were under occupying, meaning that tenants were moving into properties with more bedrooms than their assessed needs.

The exchange used to be given automatic consent but after a review by the council it will only be allowed under specific circumstances.

Cllr Learney said: “Mutual exchanges are a valued means for tenants to secure a more appropriate home, however the current policy allows tenants to exchange to a home is larger than their assessed need raising the question of whether it is the best use of the council’s limited housing stock.

“In addition when we have looked at tenants who have exchanged in 2018/19 year to homes they were under occupying we found that last June two thirds were in rent arrears which clearly raises a concern about whether the exchanges were appropriate.”

Only those exchanging to older persons accommodation; have a council confirmed medical or welfare need for a property which is larger than their assessed bedroom need; or there are other exceptional circumstances will be able to move into properties one bedroom larger than their need.

The changes also apply to those downsizing, for instance, if a tenant is recommended to only need two bedrooms, but currently lives in a four-bedroom house and is proposing to move to a three-bedroom property.

“Tenants have been consulted and were evenly split on whether exchanges should be allowed where a tenant was moving into a larger home than needed, Cllr Learney added.

“However, when looking further at why tenants thought this should be allowed it was clear they believed there were cases that justify it such as family circumstances or where tenants were downsizing, all be it to larger than their assessed need.”

Concerns were raised by opposition leader and Conservative councillor Caroline Horrill regarding the appeals process.

She said: “They can be very onerous particularly for residents that might be in an unsettled place at that time through medical or other issues and to ensure we have a process that is accessible and reasonable for residents.”

It was deemed that clarification would be made on arrangements for assessments for mutual exchanges and appeals.

Mutual exchanges able tenants to find a home more suitable for their needs exchanging with other tenants.