PEOPLE that benefit the community, ex-forces personnel and residents on low incomes will move to the top of Bournemouth’s council house list under a planned shake-up.

The council is currently reviewing how it allocates council housing in the hope of making the system more transparent and efficient.

Currently, people who want to apply for a council property are assessed purely on their level of housing need. They are categorised as either green, amber or red and are able to bid for properties that become available.

But the proposed changes would see priority given to local people in housing need and on low incomes, people in training, education or employment and applicants who have served in the Armed Forces in the past five years.

Bournemouth residents are now being encouraged to have their say on the suggested amendments.

Residents can complete a survey at bournemouth.gov.uk/housingallocation or can email housing@bournemouth.gov.uk.

The deadline for the consultation is March 26 and the final policy proposals will then go to cabinet in April.