Glos Homeseeker

A major change will take place when a new scheme called Gloucestershire Homeseeker is launched in summer 2009 and for the first time, all six district authorities in Gloucestershire will operate one combined register of those wanting to rent accommodation.

The six local authority partners are expecting to be joined by the majority of the housing associations who own or manage stock within the county. The partners have agreed a common policy so for the first time, an applicant can make one, on-line, application to register for vacancies that occur in any district in the county.

The application will be awarded a band to reflect the housing need of the household. There will be three general bands and an emergency band for certain cases.

The scheme is initially only for advertising social housing but if there was sufficient interest from private landlords, it may be possible in the future to advertise privately let properties as well.

Until the launch of the Gloucestershire Homeseeker website, further information can be obtained from the Tewkesbury Borough Council website

www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/gloshomeseeker

Anyone who is on the waiting list of any of the six authorities will be contacted prior to the launch of the scheme and will be invited to complete an application under the new scheme.

A further update will be provided when the scheme comes into operation.

22nd September 2009

The six county housing authorities have joined together in partnership to launch a new Choice Based Lettings scheme (Tewkesbury Borough Council, Cotswold District Council, Stroud District Council, Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council and Forest of Dean District Council).

All existing applicants have already been issued with re-registration letters and together with new applicants will be able to apply online with effect from 23rd September. From 28th October the first property will be advertised. The scheme is a fundamental change in the process of assessing social rented housing; vacant Council and Housing Association homes will be advertised for rent in a style similar to an estate agent.

The new scheme is entirely web based. However, for persons who do not have access to the internet or are unable to use the internet assistance is available upon request from each of the local authorities.

Anyone having questions specific to their application should contact their local housing authority.