Those in low paid employment could be given preference for social housing over the unemployed if Croydon council makes changes in the way they allocate accommodation.

The authority is reviewing the system to ensure those with the greatest genuine need are given the best chance of securing a home.

A spokesman said: “With almost 13,000 families on the housing waiting list and only about 1,500 homes becoming available each year there is a pressing need to ensure homes are allocated to the right people for the right reasons.

“While the council is in the middle of a house building programme aimed at helping to reduce the amount of time families spend on the waiting list, changes are needed.

“It is hoped that by making alterations to the current system the council can continue to tackle overcrowding in family homes and support those who need housing most.”

Changes could include giving extra points to people in low paid employment than those who are unemployed or those who are paid more.

Other suggestions include giving less priority to families with adult children who may be able to source their own housing and stopping other family members joining a housing application in order to increase the chances of moving up the waiting list.

A consultation is taking place at the moment before any final decisions are made.

Councillor Dudley Mead, the council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “There are lots of misconceptions about housing and the way it is allocated and this will help to tackle some of those and create a fairer system to distribute what is a valuable resource.”