There are a number of reasons why you may have been skipped on a shortlist. It is usually because there was a criteria in the advert that you don’t meet. There will be a skipping reason listed when you log-in. 

The main reasons why applicants are skipped is: 

• Because you have pets and the advert states no pets 
• Because you need a ground floor property and the property isn’t ground floor 
• Because you need a rural connection that you don’t have 
• Because the property is too small for you as your household size exceeds the permitted number

For Lancaster City Council properties, there is local lettings plan for Independent Living Accommodation (Appendix A in our Housing Allocation Policy).  

If you wish to move to Lancaster City Council Independent Living accommodation you will need to meet the following criteria:

• You and your partner (if applicable) will need to be aged over 60 (55 for some properties) and be able to demonstrate that you would benefit from the key aspects of Independent Living accommodation.  
• If you have a history of anti-social behaviour or unspent convictions, then they may be rejected if there is concern that their activities will affect other residents in the scheme.  
• If you have support needs, they will only be accepted with a recognised support package and they will need a history of previous positive engagement.  
• You will need to be able to live independently and not have a requirement for specialist health services, personal or nursing care which cannot be met in a community-based setting. Please note, where necessary, supporting information for you will be sought from a wider range of agencies/sources than usual. 
• In addition, if the property is within a block of flats, you will need to demonstrate that you can leave your flat and the building, unaided via the staircase in an emergency. This is because in the event of a fire the lifts cannot be used.