New lettings system about to begin
A new lettings system for people on waiting lists for council
and housing association properties comes into effect in Thanet next
week (Monday 28 July).
Choice based lettings aims to give applicants for housing more
control over the process. Under the new scheme, anyone seeking
housing can express an interest for homes that are advertised by
either the council or housing associations.
Choice based lettings goes into operation from Monday 28 July,
with available homes advertised on the Internet and in a
fortnightly property magazine, which will include a photograph of
the property, details of its location and the size of household it
is suitable for.
From Friday 1 August, people will be able to register their
interest for a property, but they will only be able to express an
interest in properties that are suitable for their household size.
The new system will not increase the amount of housing available,
but people will get accurate information on how many homes are
available, where they are and their chances of being housed.
This will allow people to decide whether they want to put in an
expression of interest for the homes they see. If they do, they can
do so either online, by phone, by text or by coupon. There will
also be a procedure where people can express an interest on behalf
of others, for example, relatives and friends.
All authorities in the country have to introduce choice based
lettings schemes by 2010 and Thanet District Council is leading the
Kent Choice Based Lettings Partnership, with Thanet and Canterbury
the first areas in the county to implement the new scheme.
Cllr. Zita Wiltshire, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “This is
all about giving applicants for housing more control over the
lettings process. It should also help to speed up the allocation of
council and housing association properties when they become vacant,
but it’s important to remember that it won’t increase the amount of
housing available or people’s chances of being re-housed. If anyone
is unsure of how the new system is going to work, then we would
urge them to get in touch with us to find out more.”
For more information on the scheme, call 01843 577277 or e-mail
housing@thanet.gov.uk
Staff from Thanet District Council’s housing team will be on hand
at Thanet’s Gateway Plus from Friday 1 August to help people use
the new system.
ENDS