News

From 16 February 2004, the Borough of Poole will be making changes and improvements to the way it allocates Council and Housing Association properties to people on Poole’s Housing Register.

‘Home Choice’ is a lettings system where housing allocation is based on residents’ choice. The scheme has already been successfully piloted on two estates in Poole and will now be extended to include all council properties available for allocation.

Simon Hendey, Head of Housing and Community, Borough of Poole, said: "The new system will allow people on the housing register in Poole to choose specific properties that they wish to be considered for. The focus of the new policy is to create sustainable communities by allowing housing applicants to have more choice about where they are offered accommodation and to make information about the process of applying for housing much clearer."

Simon added: "This is a positive move forward for the people who have been waiting on the Housing Register list. It gives residents the freedom of choice and will hopefully enable families and friends to stay together to build long-standing communities."

Poole’s allocations policy has been under a comprehensive review, based on changes in legislation. Poole has also carried out extensive consultation with applicants on the Housing Register which showed a 78% response rate to the survey in favour of choice based lettings.

Properties will be advertised weekly on the Borough’s website, through a dedicated phone line and on notice boards in the Housing Reception at the Civic Centre. People who wish to apply for properties through the scheme will do so by using coupons received through the post or by using an email link on the ‘Home Choice’ web page. Priority on the list will generally be determined by the length of time a person has been registered or the level of housing need and these applicants will be awarded priority cards.

Notes

Home Choice Website: www.boroughofpoole.com/homechoice