We are pleased to
announce a choice based lettings system is currently underway for
Tamworth.
The Council is moving to a choice
based lettings system to provide a simplified housing
allocation process that enables its customer’s greater opportunity
to decide where they want to live and when they want to
move. It will still be based on meeting peoples’ housing
needs.
The choice based lettings system will be
launched early in 2010 and the new service will be called ‘Finding
a Home’.
The next steps
On 30 July 2009 Councillors approved plans to introduce a choice
based lettings housing allocation policy;
- A full copy of this draft policy is available under the heading
more information on the right
- A planned programme of consultation and information sharing has
now begun with all applicants on the housing register, existing
tenants and other external agencies.
Latest update
The points system is in the process of transferring to one of
bandings. From Monday 14th December we will be writing out to
everyone on the housing register waiting list to advise them of
their indicative priority band award.
People will have the opportunity to ask for this decision to be
reviewed and will need to provide evidence to support this ahead of
the points system being phased out.
In the New Year we will be writing out again
to confirm to all applicants their banding award ahead of the
points system being phased out.
Look out for next edition of
Open House for more details about the latest progress in the
development of the ‘Finding A Home Service’
Consultation events held so far
December 2009 we held workshops for local
agencies and support services so they are fully briefed to be able
to assist people in registering for housing and expressing an
interest in advertised homes.
The closing date for feedback has now passed.
As at the end of November we had over 200 returned questionnaires.
We are now busy analysing your feedback and will publishing our
findings in the New Year.
September’s edition of Open House included
details about the banding system, how it will work day to day and
how we will transfer applications to the new way of working.
August 2009 – The
Tenant Consultative Group agreed a summary booklet of the new
choice based lettings policy that outlines the changes in the way
the Council will be allocating its available properties.
At the Summer Festival 30 August
2009 in the Castle Grounds, housing staff were available
to talk freely through any concerns people may have had; over 200
people visited our stall.
We are currently developing new systems
and are working towards offering workshops to give our customers
the opportunity to ‘express an interest’ under test conditions.
Watch this space for more information.
As part of the development stage it is planned for a dedicated
area in Marmion House reception where properties will be
advertised, portals will be available for people to register their
interest on line and staff will be on hand to offer help and
guidance.
Is there anything applicants need to do
today?
Yes, please make sure all your household
information on the housing application is up to date as this
information will determine your level of points today and what band
you will be placed over the next coming month.
Contact Details
If you need further help or advice regarding your housing
application please call the Housing Advice Team 01827 709459 or
Email: HousingAdvice@tamworth.gov.uk
They are available Monday to Friday between
8.45am to 5.00pm
If you have any queries about the new service
or the draft allocation policy please contact any of the lead
officers
Joanne Mallaband – Business Support Officer tel 01827 709496
Email joanne-mallaband@tamworth.gov.uk
Sue Philp – Housing Manager tel 01827
709473
Email sue-philp@tamworth.gov.uk
Lee Birch – Housing Manager tel 01827
709474
Email lee-Birch@tamworth.gov.uk
Jackie Lea Business Support Manager tel 01827
709485
Email jackie-lea@tamworth.gov.uk
Tina Mustafa – Head of Housing Operations tel
01827 709467
Email tina-mustafa@tamworth.gov.uk