INVERCLYDE'S social housing landlords are set to review an 'unfair' points system which penalises families living in overcrowded conditions.

Campaigning councillor Colin Jackson recently raised concerns about the number of local tenants who are suffering because of the current points policy.

He says that many find themselves unable to move because if they compromise to get a move to a larger property, they end up being placed further down the housing list.

Now the Inverclyde Common Housing Register has agreed to carry out a review of the policy as it stands.

Cllr Jackson said: "There is no recourse and there is no way around this punitive policy.

"I wrote to the head of each of Inverclyde's social landlords - River Clyde Homes, Oak Tree Housing and Cloch Housing - asking them to review their overcrowding points system.

"Currently if you are overcrowded and there are no houses available, if you choose to compromise and go for a house with just one extra bedroom, instead of the two you require, your points are cut and you go back down the waiting list."

Mr Jackson asked the housing chiefs why points were being slashed if an applicant's circumstances were still the same, saying that they were effectively being 'punished' for being willing to make a compromise to facilitate an offer for more suitable accommodation.

In reply the body representing Oak Tree, Cloch and Larkfield Housing Associations said they would look again at the policy.

Mr Jackson told the Tele: "We have had a small victory.

"The Inverclyde Common Housing Register, which is the policy-maker for Cloch, Oak Tree and Larkfield are going to review their policy and take it forward for consultation to address this situation."

Inverclyde Common Housing Register spokesman Paul McVey said: “The ICHR respond to individual enquiries and have also responded separately to elected member enquiries around the detail of the current allocations policy.

"The policy is due for review later this year and we will be including, among other things, the issue of reducing and eliminating overcrowding.

"There will be an open consultation as part of that review and all interested parties will have the opportunity to provide their views to help shape the new policy."