If the applications quota is operating, it affects how many applications we can take in and also when you can apply.
Some key points
- Quota sizes and details can vary and are announced in advance on our website.
- For each quota, applications are taken into the office over a qualifying period. The qualifying period is the date(s) on which we can take in applications that will count towards the quota and is normally for two consecutive working days each time.
- All applications received outside the qualifying period are returned.
- All applications received during the qualifying period go forward into a draw.
- The arrangements for the draw include information on delivering your application.
- The draw is carried out in public by an independent third party.
- The draw puts the applications into order.
- We then deal with them in that order.
- Applications that are clearly not eligible or not complete will not be counted into the quota.
- Once we have reached the quota of applications, any remaining applications are returned.
Unsuccessful applications cannot be held over until the next quota or advantaged in any other way. Every quota stands alone; that way in every draw all applications have an equal prospect of success.
Your questions answered
How can my application get into the draw?
Qualifying periods for receipt of applications to go forward into the draw will be published in advance.
All applications received during the qualifying period for the draw will be entered. Applications will then be drawn out at random until there are sufficient complete applications to fill the quota.
What if my application isn’t picked in the draw – do I have another opportunity?
There is no carry forward of applications from one draw into another. For each draw there is a qualifying period, when applications can be taken in. To go into a later draw, you will need to re-apply within that qualifying period. Applicants who are unsuccessful in one draw have an opportunity to do so, if they wish.
Can I send in more than one application at the one time?
If an applicant is connected with more than one pending application each of the applications involved will be cancelled and, if one or any are part of a quota, they will be removed.
How can I be sure the draw is not biased?
The draw will take place in public in our office reception area (where applications are received) and will be carried out by an independent professional.
There is no way of knowing anything about the application at the time of the draw. On receipt, every application is given its own unique number. It is this number that goes into the draw, not the application itself or any identifying information.
Numbers will be drawn at random from the pool of eligible numbers until the quota is reached. If there are insufficient applications to fill the quota in one draw, a second will take place later (details to be provided in each case).
Will there always be a draw?
At times when there are more hopeful applicants than we may be able to help through the Co-Ownership Scheme, the draw is a means of ensuring that everyone has a similar chance. Should circumstances change, there may be no need for a draw.
