A New Way to Apply for Housing in Rushcliffe, Broxtowe and Gedling
Posted by Spirita on April 21, 2010 | 4 Comments | 
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Rushcliffe, Broxtowe and Gedling Borough Councils are planning to introduce a new way of allocating social housing in Spring 2011, called Choice Based Lettings. Currently Spirita allocates accommodation in these areas via a housing register and Local Authority Nominations.
What is Choice Based Letting?
A choice based letting is a different way of allocating housing. It allows housing applicants (and existing tenants who wish to transfer) to apply for vacancies. When a property becomes available for let, an advert is prepared. Then every two weeks available properties will be advertised online, in council offices and community areas such as libraries. Property adverts will include information like the property type, number of bedrooms, any special adaptations, rental cost and neighbourhood details such as nearby shops and schools. For those who struggle to get out or use a computer, adverts can be posted.
So how do I apply?
Housing applicants will be able to register interest in the available properties either by phone, post, text, in person or through the website. The person who has the most priority according to the Housing Allocations Policy will be offered the property.
As well as introducing choice based lettings, the policy for giving priority to those with a need for housing is changing too. It is therefore very important that we get the views and opinions of our tenants and applicants in the areas of Rushcliffe, Broxtowe and Gedling on how the new scheme and new policy should work. The borough councils are particularly interested in hearing from people who, for example, are worried they may struggle to access and use the scheme due to disability, age or because they do not speak English.
How can I have my say?
Applicants who are on the current waiting list for the Rushcliffe, Gedling and Broxtowe areas may be asked to complete a new form or update their details to be able to take part in the choice based lettings scheme.
If you are currently on a waiting list with any of the borough councils or with Spirita you will be written to so that you can give your views and opinions. You can also have your say by visiting the three borough council websites for further information or contact any of the housing options offices listed below:
Broxtowe Borough Council
Foster Avenue
Beeston
Nottingham
NG9 1AB
0115 9177777
www.broxtowe.gov.uk
Gedling Borough Council
Civic Centre
Arnot Hill park
Nottingham
NG5 6LU
0115 9013901
www.gedling.gov.uk
Rushcliffe Borough Council
Civic Centre
Pavilion Road
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG2 5FE
0115 9819911
www.rushcliffe.gov.uk
Filed Under: General
Comments (4)
Generally people do not know how long they may have to wait to be successful in a housing application/bidding. I think there should be a maximum amount of time that a person should be expected to wait to be considered for social housing. I am 63 living in an expensive privately rented property and have no idea how long I might have to wait for something more appropriate. I see a situation where I can always be out bid by someone else. Life is hell waiting for security of tenure when you are approaching retirement……Thank you for the opportunity to express my concerns……Regards Paul and Julie.
Hi Paul & Julie
Thank you very much for your valued feedback. We do appreciate that waiting lists for properties can be long and the wait frustrating. One of the positives of choice based lettings is that applicants do get feedback on every allocation that is made through the scheme. This will detail how many bids were made, the band the successful applicant was in and how long they had been on the waiting list. The system will also tell an applicant where they are in a bidding list so they can make a decision on whether to leave the bid on or move it to another property where they may have a better chance before the advert closes.
I am not aware if you are currently registered with Spirita or not but if you would like further advice about your current housing situation, please contact the Lettings Team on 0115 988 7100 and we will be happy to help. We do currently have vacancies in our Retirement Living schemes which you may be eligible for as you are over 60.
Thanks
Lorraine Parchment | Allocations Manager
hi i notice in your answer to paul @julie you say the system will tella applicant where they are in the bidding so they can make a decision whether to stop or go for another bid is this something new ??as i bid for a bungalow last oct and heard nothing i guessed i was not succsful which is ok but have applied again in nov but not heard if im in the running this is not critisim i just thought that latter idea was a good one as it gives a better idea many thanks jjs
Hi there
The current choice based lettings schemes do not give accurate bid position information but they will do soon. Derby Homefinder will be updated in April 2011, Homesearch which covers Rushcliffe, Gedling and Broxtowe will have this available from March 2011 and Nottingham Homelink will have this when they launch their new system in March 2011.
Thanks
Lorraine Parchment | Allocations Manager
This will enable all applicants to make more informed decisions about the bids they place.