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Choice Based Lettings - SEARCH Moves
Spelthorne
Elmbridge
And
Runnymede
Choice
Home Moves 		                                 SEARCH - Choice Based Lettings

Choice based lettings (CBL) is a government initiative developed to give housing applicants more choice about where they want to live.  There are similar schemes which have been introduced across the country and many more being developed.

Five organisations within North Surrey have joined together to form a partnership; SEARCH Moves.  The partners are Spelthorne Borough Council, Elmbridge Borough Council, Runnymede Borough Council, A2 Housing Group and Elmbridge Housing Trust.  

Customer satisfaction should improve with the onset of the scheme which will enable eligible applicants to have a wider choice of homes depending on the availability of housing stock.  Properties will be advertised on the web and in print.  There will be a percentage of properties offered across the boundaries of the three Boroughs thereby giving more geographical choice. Applicants will be invited to ‘bid’ for properties, no money will change hands and priority will be given to those applicants in most housing need and according to the length of time on the housing register.

Applicants will be assessed by banding. There will be five bands from A-E with those applicants in high priority for housing in Band A. All current applicants on the housing registers will be informed of the change.  The scheme is due to start towards the end of 2008.

In preparation for the onset of the scheme a draft lettings policy (Word 325kb) has been developed.  Please email CBL@spelthorne.gov.uk with your comments or call 01784 446481 for more information.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Choice Based Lettings scheme?
Choice Based Lettings changes the way councils and registered social landlords let their homes. The scheme allows applicants on the housing register or waiting list to express an interest in a property.

Homes will be advertised in various ways such as on the web and in printed form. Applicants will be invited to 'bid' for the property of their choice, thereby giving them more choice.

Why are we changing?

Choice Based Lettings schemes are a fairer and simpler way of letting homes. The Government requires all local authorities and registered social landlords to introduce a form of choice for housing by 2010.

What are the expected benefits?

  • to give people the ability to make their own decisions about where they live and to exercise an element of choice
  • to take in a wider geographical area for applicants to choose where they want to live
  • to encourage the effective use of the limited housing stock available
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What will the changes mean to applicants?

All existing and new applicants will be assessed according to their circumstances and placed in a banding scheme. The points system will no longer apply. All existing applicants will be informed of their new banding assessment.

Registered applicants will be invited to 'bid' for available homes suitable for their needs by various methods including internet and telephone bidding. The advertised properties will be labelled stating who would be eligible.

What is ‘bidding’ and how does it work?

Bidding is a form of expressing an interest in a property, no money is involved. However, because of the shortage of homes available, choice will be limited.

When will the changes take place?

The banding changes will take place by May 2008. Search Moves choice based lettings is planned to start towards the end of 2008

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Can I contribute to the way the Choice Based Lettings scheme will be set up?

We would welcome your views, particularly if you represent voluntary groups, advice agencies or community groups offering advice and help to homeless or social housing tenants: e-mail: CBL@spelthorne.gov.uk

What will happen between now and when the new scheme starts?

Consultation on the new lettings policy will take place; letters will be sent to existing applicants advising them of their new banding assessment. News releases and events will be advertised nearer the time.
Staff will be trained on the system and user guides will be available when it is in operation.

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