A new project to improve the way
affordable homes are let to tenants in Richmondshire will be
launched next week as part of a new North Yorkshire-wide
scheme.
‘North Yorkshire Homechoice’ - the North
Yorkshire Choice Based Lettings scheme – has been developed by most
local authorities and housing associations across North Yorkshire,
including Richmondshire.
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.
And the first properties are due to be
advertised next week - July 7.
“This is a very exciting new scheme making
affordable homes more accessible to our residents who need them,”
said Councillor Peter Wood, Housing Spokesperson for Richmondshire
District Council.
“Help and advice is at hand for Richmondshire
residents so they can get to grips with the new way of bidding for
vacant Council homes. There will be a particular challenge for our
deep rural communities using the new system where access to
services has traditionally been a challenge but the different ways
to access the new system are designed to overcome these obstacles.
Our network of community offices will play a key role in assisting
residents with the new system and the housing team at the Council
will be at hand to assist. Residents can also check out the
guidance on the website about how to find a home.”
Properties will be advertised on the website -
http://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 automated telephone bidding line - 0300-011-2170
- by text – 7537402495
- in person at community offices
- by postal coupon
Following the first advertising cycle next
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.
June 30, 2011
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