Radical plans to toughen-up the system for allocating social housing have been drawn up by the borough council.

Under the proposals, people with no connection to Epsom, who owe rent, earn decent wages or have a recent history of antisocial behaviour will be struck off its housing register.

At the moment families on the waiting list are given points according to their housing need, but the new system would put them in different bands instead.

Epsom Council, which is asking for people’s views on the proposals, says it wants to make best use of the borough’s limited housing stock run by housing associations.

A council spokesman said: "Some households, those in greatest need and who meet the new criteria, will be in a better position - that is one of the fundamental reasons for the proposed change.

"Others, eg those in suitable accommodation they simply do not like, may find themselves having to wait longer for alternate accommodation.

"There will be some (eg those who earn over a certain amount or who do not have a local connection) who will be removed from the housing needs register."

Changes to homelessness legislation mean that local authorities no longer have to make their housing register open to everyone.

Under the new scheme, applicants must have lived in the borough for two years or have good reasons why they need to live near family in Epsom.

The register would not include people with "sufficient" income, savings and assets. This would include single people with an annual income of £25,000 or more or couples with an income of £45,000 as well as people with £16,000 in savings.

Injured or bereaved members of the Armed Forces may be eligible for "special treatment".

At present homeless people living in temporary accommodation can bid for a number of properties. But under the new scheme, they would be made "one suitable offer of accommodation".

There is an extremely high demand for social housing with over 2,500 households on the housing register. Only 120 properties on average become available each year.

At the end of last year there were 70 families in emergency temporary accommodation and there are a rising number of homeless people in "priority need".

To have your say on the proposals go to www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

To get a copy of the survey in a different format call 01372 732000 or email c&c@epsom-ewell.gov.uk

What do you think of the plans? Please leave a comment below, email alice.foster@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 020 8722 6337