Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Choice Based Lettings to go county-wide.
Now, as the new Wiltshire Council (WC) approaches, the scheme is going county-wide. If you're on the West Wilts register you'll be invited to re-register with the new scheme during December.

'Homes 4 Wiltshire' incorporates the four district councils with Wiltshire County Council, 30 Registered Social Landlords (RSL) and two Homebuy Zone Agents (New Futures and My Place).

The project team were successful in bidding for grant funding to develop the scheme and in December 2007 the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) awarded £128,000 to deliver a consistent and transparent service to the residents of Wiltshire.

What is Choice Based Lettings?

CBL is a new way of allocating housing. It is a change from the traditional waiting list. CBL allows customers to become actively involved in their search for housing. Vacant properties are advertised locally and the onus is on the customer to view the advertisements weekly and bid for accommodation.

Bidding for available properties doesn't involve any money, it is purely an expression of interest.

Each property is clearly labelled with details about the home such as rent levels, any adaptations, heating type, garden type, plus the ability to access links to local services.

What is Homes 4 Wiltshire?

Homes 4 Wiltshire is the partnership responsible for operating CBL and managing the lettings. The partnership involves the central CBL team who will administer the application forms, advertise the properties and shortlist them. The RSL will be involved with the advertising, allocating and subsequent management of their properties. The two zone agents will work with the central CBL team to advertise and promote Low Cost Home Ownership initiatives.

The 16,000 current customers on the housing registers will be invited to re-register for Homes 4 Wiltshire throughout December. If you re-register within the 28 day period you'll carry over any time you have already accrued on the housing register (the longer you've been registered, the more chance you have of a winning bid).

Throughout August the project team carried out open days across the districts allowing customers and agencies to find out more about CBL and Homes 4 Wiltshire. Following the open days, a Homes 4 Wiltshire Newsletter was produced answering a number of frequently asked questions. This newsletter will be sent out with all application forms.

If you have any problems with the switch, contact your local councillor or Laura Young (West Wilts) or Sherree Berzins (Salisbury District) - details below.

Laura Young, Project Manager. 01225 776655. email lyoung@westwiltshire.gov.uk

Sherree Berzins, Senior Housing Needs & Nominations Officer. 01380 734642. email sberzins@salisbury.gov.uk