More choice for homeseekers
5 July
A new project to improve the way affordable homes are let to
tenants will be launched this week.
‘North Yorkshire Homechoice’ - the North Yorkshire Choice Based
Lettings scheme – has been developed by most local authorities and
housing associations across the county.
The new approach is based on the public advertising of available
properties – from both councils and Housing Associations. It is
designed to promote choice, mobility and better information about
housing options for local people seeking accommodation.
A new countywide housing register has been created, and everyone
registered with the scheme will soon receive a ‘welcome pack’ with
details of their unique reference number, their banding within
Homechoice and information about how to bid for homes.
The first properties are due to be advertised this week – 7
July.
Scarborough Borough Council’s Housing Manager, Andrew Rowe
said:
“This is a very exciting new scheme making affordable homes more
accessible to the people who need them. No one needs to worry as
help and advice is at hand for people who are new to this. They can
contact Yorkshire Coast Homes or the council’s Housing Options Team
or check out the guidance on the website about how to find a
home.”
Properties will be advertised on the website
www.northyorkshirehomechoice.org.uk and will also be on display at
both landlords and council public offices. Homeseekers can bid for
homes in a number of ways:
- via the website www.northyorkshirehomechoice.org.uk
- by calling the automated telephone bidding line on
0300-011-2170
- by text at 07537 402495
- in person at a local housing office
- by postal coupon
Following the first advertising this week, properties will be
advertised weekly every Thursday. Bidders will have until the
following Tuesday to register their bid for the home of their
choice. Feedback about the status of successful bidders will be
published on the website on a regular basis.
In future months existing tenants wanting to swap homes with
other tenants will also be able to use Homechoice to advertise
their homes, and more housing options will be advertised via the
Homechoice scheme.
Yorkshire Coast Homes have also made special arrangements to
support vulnerable people, for example elderly people living in
remote rural areas. A local telephone (01723) 343390 number is also
available for all households who do not have internet access.