PURBECK District Council is proposing changes to the way it allocates homes to those on its housing register.

All households on the housing register, as well as those whose application to join the register has been unsuccessful, are being sent details of the consultation.

The proposed changes include: reducing the period of time an applicant has to live in Purbeck to have a local connection to the district; changes to the way rural properties are allocated; what may happen if an applicant does not bid for a property without a good reason, and the introduction of four new band reasons and the removal of one covering some rural properties.

It also says prisoners won't be able to join the housing list until one month before they're due to be released.

Cllr Laura Miller, housing portfolio holder for the council, said: “The proposed changes will enable Purbeck District Council to continue to help those with the highest level of housing need.

“It will also assist the council and the housing associations working in the area to make best use of the housing stock.”

She continued: “The consultation is open to all, not just people currently on the housing register, so please have your say, tell friends and family and help us to develop the best housing allocation system for residents.”

The consultation starts on Monday, July 18, and runs until Sunday, August 28.

Visit surveymonkey.co.uk/r/purbeckpolicy2016 to take part. Hard copies are available from the council by calling 01929 556561, or visit Westport House in Worgret Road, Wareham.