Why change from the current system?
The Government is committed to offering ‘choice’ in as many
areas of life as possible. It has set a deadline for all councils
to introduce choice-based lettings by 2010. We believe that it’s a
good idea and think that it will work better than our current
system, and are keen to implement choice-based lettings before the
Government deadline. We plan to start making the changes towards
the new choice-based lettings system later this year. We have
called the new system HomeChoice.
How does HomeChoice work?
HomeChoice is a different way of letting homes. Instead of being
assessed using the current points system, you will be assessed
according to your housing need and put into one of four bands (A-
D) Band A will be the highest housing needs and band D will be the
lowest housing need. There will also be an Emergency Priority
overriding band for urgent housing needs. From January 2009 you
will receive a new HomeChoice application form in the post. You
must fill this in and return the form as soon as possible. If you
are already on the current housing register you will still need to
fill in a new form. You will be able to apply online which may be
quicker and easier for you. The website details will follow. If you
do not complete the new application form you will be taken off the
register. Once we have received your application we will be able to
assess your housing need. You will receive a letter from you
informing you of what band you are in. If you want to ask any
questions on this, you can come along to any of our open days in
March / April or telephone us. It is not compulsory for you to
attend the Open Days but you will have the opportunity to speak to
staff on a one to one based basis. All venues will have disabled
access and some will have parking available. Details will follow.
Under HomeChoice, vacant properties will be advertised. If you see
a property that you like and that is the right size for your
household, you can place a 'bid'. Bidding means that you contact us
to let us know you are interested in a property.
How can I bid?
You can bid by mobile phone text, by telephone, in person and
online. Details on how to do this will follow.
Where can I see the properties?
The properties will be advertised in a newsletter, online via a
website and also available in reception areas. More information on
this will follow.
Will HomeChoice mean that there are more properties
available?
No, unfortunately the new system does not mean that there will
be more properties available. You will have more choice about the
area you want to live in by bidding for suitable properties for
your housing needs.
What are the benefits of the HomeChoice
system?
• The system is simpler and easier to understand • You can
decide where you want to live. • You will bid for homes that you
are interested in. • You will be able to see which band the
successful bidder was in, what type of property has been let, and
how many bids there were for the property.
Who can apply?
Anyone can apply, but you may not be eligible to join the
Housing Register for the following reasons: • If you are subject to
immigration controls under the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and
do not have refugee status, exceptional leave to stay in the UK or
indefinite leave to remain in the UK. • If you, or a member of
their household, has been guilty of unacceptable behaviour serious
enough to make them unsuitable to be a tenant.
What if I am already on the Housing
Register?
If you are already on the housing register, you will be sent a
new application form to fill in. We will assess what band you are
in based on the information you give us. Your registration will be
from the date you originally applied, not the date you filled out
the new application form. We will contact you as the scheme
progresses.
I have been on the waiting list for a long time. Will I
need to start again?
You will keep your original application date if you are
currently on the register. Any current medical and welfare priority
will also be considered in your new application providing that your
circumstances have not changed.
How will I know what position I am on the
list?
There will be no positions as such. You will know your band and
effective date and this will not change unless your circumstances
change. So the longer you have been in that band, the better chance
you have of being offered a property. You will be able to look at
properties that have been let and see the status start date of the
person the property was let to, this will give you a good idea of
how long it may take to find a home.
How will I know the system is operating
fairly?
The results of the bidding will be published with the
registration date of the successful bid (but not the name of the
person) and band they are in.
Will all properties be advertised and where can I see
these?
All properties will be advertises under HomeChoice. The
properties will be advertised in a newsletter, online via a website
and also available in reception areas and council gateways. More
information on this will follow.
What information will the adverts contain?
They will show: Location Size of the property Special features
of the property Rent Age restrictions Photo and some information
about local facilities Type of property e.g. sheltered housing
Am I guaranteed to get a property I bid
for?
No. If the property is in a popular area it is likely to attract
a high number of bids. Offers will be made on the basis of the date
of the registration and to the person in the highest band.
Can I go on any Registered Social Landlord waiting list
as well?
The HomeChoice register will be shared by all of the large
Registered Social Landlords (RSLs)in the area. There will be no
need to apply separately to the different RSLs as most will
advertised through HomeChoice. However, some of the smaller RSLs
will continue to keep their own waiting list.
Will help be provided if I find the system difficult to
use?
Yes. A member of the HomeChoice Team will be able help or you
may be referred to a Support Worker, who can help you.
What if I need help?
Staff in your local housing office or your Support Worker, if
you have one, will be able to help you. If you are receiving
support and agree for us to contact your supported provider, we
will do this. You can choose someone to receive correspondence and
bid on your behalf, this could be a support worker, family member
or friend. If your bid is successful we will contact you to let you
know.
What do I do now?
If you are on the housing register you will receive a new
HomeChoice application form. You must return this as soon as
possible by applying online, returning the completed form in the
post or dropping it into the Housing Reception, Somerset House,
Weston-super-Mare. You will also receive a newsletter explaining
HomeChoice and how to access properties from April 2009.
Who is involved in HomeChoice North
Somerset?
HomeChoice North Somerset is a partnership between the council
and other Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) working in North
Somerset (you may also know these as Housing
Associations).
