Home moves on hold in virus battle
COUNCIL HALTS HOUSING ALLOCATION SERVICE
KIRKLEES Council and its armslength property management company Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH) have suspended the Choose n Move housing allocation service.
The decision was made as part of the commitment to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
The Choose n Move service allows people to bid for council and social housing properties.
The suspension means anyone already allocated a property will be contacted to advise they will NOT be given a moving date until after social distancing measures have ended.
Properties not allocated will be placed on hold, with all bids considered once the situation improves.
Clr Cathy Scott, the council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said the authority remained committed “to making sure everyone has somewhere safe to sleep, especially at this difficult time.”
She said officers have offered beds to rough sleepers whilst the council’s housing solutions service continues to provide support to those who are at immediate risk of homelessness.
She added: “We’ve suspended Choose n Move as it wouldn’t be appropriate to put individuals and the NHS at risk by continuing to ask people to bid, view, sign-up and move into properties when we should all be staying at home and maintaining social distancing.”
Anyone struggling to pay rent, or who are in arrears, is asked to contact KNH or property housing company Pinnacle Group.
The council confirmed last week no council housing tenant would be evicted as a direct result of the coronavirus outbreak.
They encouraged anyone who was struggling with their rent to get in touch with their housing provider for support.
KNH can be contacted by visiting its website www.knh.org.uk/contact-us
Tenants supported by Pinnacle should call 0330 0361517 or email: kirklees.housing@pinnaclegroup.co.uk
The Government has also announced support for tenants who live in privately rented accommodation. Visit www.gov.uk/government/ news/complete-ban-on-evictionsand-additional-protection-for-renters for details
Anyone who is at immediate risk of homelessness should contact housing solutions by calling 01484 221350 or emailing housing. options@kirklees.gov.uk