Choice-based lettings system move

ANGUS Council is placing more choice in the hands of people looking for social housing.

The communities committee has agreed to move from a register based on a traditional points-based allocation system, which matches people to available properties, to a system of choice-based lettings that empowers would-be tenants to make their own informed choices.

A spokesman said: “The common housing register’s points-based system has proved complicated and time consuming.

“More than 40% of housing offers made to applicants were refused between April 2016 and the end of March this year, where, in many instances, the location and type of property was felt to be unsuitable or unacceptable by people seeking a tenancy.

“These refusals left properties unoccupied for longer periods than is ideal.

“Our housing team has piloted a successful choice-based lettings approach for a selection of immediately available to-let properties. This has proved successful and a move to roll out this more customer-led approach is supported by our housing association partners.

“This process sees landlords advertise their vacancies, allowing people who are interested to bid on the property they feel suits them best. The priorities of those who apply are broadly prioritised and, where there is more than one bid, the person with the highest priority is offered the property.

“In a more consumer-led society, it is envisaged that the choice-based lettings approach will encourage a broader range of people to access social housing and provide them with more choice over their housing. By doing so, the choice-based lettings system can contribute to better, more sustainable communities, where people are more committed to the areas where they live.”