Choice Based Lettings
What is Choice Based Lettings?
The Government has set a target that by 2010 all Local
Authorities will have adopted a Choice Based Lettings system.
The scheme will cover not only Local Authority and Social Landlord
properties, but also low cost home ownership and properties for
rent from private landlords.
The Choice Based Lettings system is different from the
traditional way of allocating housing via the waiting list.
It allows customers (and existing tenants who want to transfer) to
apply for vacancies which are advertised widely in the
neighbourhood, eg: on the internet, in local Council Offices,
libraries etc.
How will it work here?
Cheshire homechoice will be introduced in Cheshire East in April
2010. Cheshire East Council, Cheshire Peaks &
Plains Housing Trust, Plus Dane Group and Wulvern will become
a partnership to deliver the new scheme.
Cheshire homechoice changes the way that we allocate houses by
replacing complicated points based systems with one of 5 bands of
priority which enables expressions of interest and giving
people choice. Expressing an interest simply
means applying for. Our frequently asked questions
leaflet (PDF, 31KB) may answer any queries you have.
An example of how the scheme will work: -
- Register on the waiting list. An assessment of housing
need is made when cheshire homechoice receive an application form
and these are placed in a band ranging from low housing need
through to urgent need to move (5 star is highest housing need and
1 star is no identified housing need).
- Look at the properties advertised on line or in local
offices.
- Each week, people can express an interest in up to three the
properties that they would like to move to (this can be via the
internet, text or phone). If the household is suited to
that home and has been waiting the longest on the housing register
(or are without a home at the moment), they may be given a final
interview where a few further checks will be made.
- View the home and decide if they want it. If so, the
landlord for the property will guide the household through the
paperwork.
Once properties are allocated, Cheshire homechoice will release
lists to show which properties were allocated to which band and how
long applicants have been on the waiting list.
How will YOU benefit?
You fill in ONE application form to register for properties with
ALL the participating housing organisations. As well as
social housing the scheme will eventually advertise private rented
properties and also affordable housing to purchase.
- You will decide which properties to apply for
- There will be information available about which properties were
allocated to which band of applicant and how long they had been on
the list
- There will be a single allocations policy so all properties are
allocated in the same way (although there may be a few exceptions
for rural schemes)
- There will be support available for vulnerable individuals
- It will allow greater regional mobility
We will be going live in April
2010.