Westminster Council have announced they will give priority to those who have been in work for two years or more when applying for council housing.

The new plans echo suggestions made by Ed Miliband's speech at the Labour party conference and are designed to reward those actively seeking work as well as discouraging a benefits culture.

From 30 January 2012 the council will give priority to families or individuals where the main applicant has been in employment under a written contract for at least two years. Those with temporary contracts must prove continuous employment with no more than one month's gap between contracts.

Those who have been actively seeking work for the same level of time will also be eligible for extra points. Residents are still given priority according to need including factors such as young children, homelessness and those that need special medical attentions. The scheme will also give extra priority to applicants who can prove they have lived in Westminster continuously for ten years.

Westminster Council's cabinet member for housing and corporate property, Councillor Jonathan Glanz said: ‘The council is faced with a substantial demand for an insufficient supply of housing within the city of Westminster.

‘These changes ensure that not only do we prioritise the most vulnerable including those living in overcrowded properties and those with medical needs, but we also reward those who are doing their best not to be dependent on the state by working or actively seeking work.

‘The council will also continue to offer cash to those who live in under-occupied homes. This can sometimes occur when children have grown up and moved out of home, leaving one person living in a three bedroom property.'