Press Release

New way of allocating council homes moves a step closer

18/04/08

Letters explaining a major change to the way Northampton Borough Council allocates council homes are being sent out to prospective tenants on the housing register.

Under the new Choice Based Lettings system, called Homechoice @ Northampton, available properties will be advertised and prospective tenants will be able to choose a property they are eligible for and bid for it.  The bids will then be ranked in order of priority and the property will be offered to the bidder with the highest priority.

To be able to bid, people on the housing register will need to complete a new housing application form, which is being sent out with the letters.  Completed applications must be returned to the council by 16 May.

Councillor Sally Beardsworth, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member responsible for housing, said: “If people want to remain on the housing register it’s very important that they fill out the new applications and return them by 16th May.  If we don’t receive their new applications we will assume that  they no longer wish to be on the council’s housing register.”

At the moment in Northampton the number of points awarded determines an applicant’s position on the housing register and available properties are offered to the applicant with the highest points.

Under the new simpler scheme applicants will be placed in one of four bands, with each band made up of applicants with similar circumstances.  Within the bands priority will generally be given to those who have waited the longest.

Councillor Beardsworth added: ”Homechoice @ Northampton will be up and running this summer.  CBL is  easy to understand  It also gives people a choice in where they want to live.  If people choose where they live, they are more likely to be happy living there.”

For help, advice or more information applicants are asked to call the housing helpline on 0845 330 0637.