Currently
Social rented housing in the Babergh area is currently let using a traditional approach of allocation. Under this system an applicant applies to the register and is awarded points to reflect their current housing need. When a vacant property becomes available the person with the highest level of points who meets the criteria for that property is offered the property by an allocations officer.
For applicants, a points based system may be difficult to understand and it is often difficult for applicants to know what properties are available and how long it will take to be housed.
The Future
Babergh Council has now agreed in principal to use a Choice Based Lettings Scheme as the best approach for the future allocation of social housing. Choice based lettings allows social landlords to advertise their available homes and customers are then asked to express an interest in the property they would like to live in. A new lettings banding is being developed to prioritise customers.
In order to do this Babergh DC has joined with seven other local authorities in the North Essex and Suffolk sub-region (Greater Haven Gateway) to deliver a Choice Based Lettings scheme. These authorities are:
- Braintree District Council
- Colchester Borough Council
- Ipswich Borough Council
- Maldon District Council
- Mid Suffolk District Council
- Suffolk Coastal District Council
- Tendring District Council
A proportion of each authorities/partners RSLs properties will be made available to people from anywhere in the Greater Haven Gateway sub-region. This will offer applicants greater choice and ease of movement between local authorities.
More Information about Choice Based Lettings
Most Choice Based Lettings schemes work using the same principles. Colchester Borough Council are already offering a choice based lettings system – if you wish to see how this works visit their site on http://www.homechoiceatcolchester.org.uk/
If you have any queries concerning choice based lettings please contact the Greater Haven Gateway Choice Based Lettings Project Manager at the following email address:
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