15/1/10 Changes to Select Move Policy

We are in the process of reviewing our current policy and we will be making changes to the way we allocate properties to our applicants. It is important that you read the information detailed below, as it will explain how this will affect you.  We also want to hear your views on the proposed changes and answer any questions that you may have.

Why are we making these changes?

The Government has recently published guidance on Choice Based Lettings Schemes and have made some suggestions that we would like to implement.

What are the main changes?

We are changing from our current two band system and introducing a five band system. Properties will also be placed in a band to ensure fair allocation.

We would like to advertise our properties every week, rather than every fortnight. The cycle would start every Friday at midnight and close at midnight on the following Wednesday.

We would like applicants to be able to express an interest in any number of eligible properties, and not be limited to 5 ‘bids’.

We have new Partners joining Select Move, which will increase the number of properties that we can advertise each week. It will also mean that we will have properties in new areas. Our new Partners are Chorley Community Housing, Chorley Borough Council, Accent North West and Contour Housing Association.

In some cases, applicants will not be eligible for an offer of a property. For example, where an applicant has displayed serious unacceptable behaviour. These applicants will have ‘no preference’ to available properties until this behaviour is addressed. Each case will be assessed on an individual basis, and each applicant will be advised of what action they need to take to be eligible for Select Move properties in the future.

In some cases there will be the option to offer an applicant ’reduced preference’ rather than ‘no preference’ to properties. For example, where an applicant owes rent arrears. In these cases, applicants will be eligible to join Select Move but will fall into the ‘reduced preference’ band until they have kept to the agreed action. E.g. keeping to a repayment agreement for an agreed period.

The 5 new bands will be awarded a percentage of properties as follows: 40% to Band A; 30% to Band B; 15% to Band C; 10% to Band D; 5% to Band E.

How this will affect you

As well as being able to take advantage of the above changes, each household will be re-assessed and placed into their new band by Select Move Officers. The band you are placed in will reflect your circumstances. If you are not happy with our decision, there will be an opportunity to request a review.

What does each band mean?

Attached to this leaflet is a summary of each band and what this represents. This list is not comprehensive and if you need a more detailed explanation you can contact a Select Move Partner on 0800 655 6785. A copy of the full proposed Select Move Policy is also available on request.

What happens next?

We want to hear what you think about the changes before we make a final decision. We are also in the process of consulting other agencies who work in partnership with Select Move to gather their opinions. Once the Policy has been finalised, we will write to all applicants advising them of their new bands and the date we will be ‘going live’.

How can I find out more information or pass on my comments?

We want to hear your comments and respond to any questions or concerns you may have. You can do this in any of the following ways:

Ring Select Move on 0800 655 6785. One of our advisors will be happy to answer your questions or take your comments