On-line frenzy for home lets
Council homes in Stourbridge and Halesowen will be up for grabs over the internet – with people from all over the country set to join a bidding frenzy.
The new Choice-Based Lettings system will be introduced later in the year meaning people can make their own choice of homes the first time.
Currently, housing officers choose properties for tenants but often people do not want the homes they have been offered.
The new system is being brought in to save time and help cut waiting lists.
Not all of the thousands on the waiting list are homeless according to Dudley Council.
Extra council staff are being recruited to cope with the number of people expected to put in bids.
People with most points under the current system will be priority for homes which attract a large number of bids. Preference will also be given to people in the borough and improvements may also be made to the point system to make it fairer.
Choice-Based Lettings will be discussed at a council cabinet meeting in October with a view to piloting it in Stourbridge and Halesowen.
Cabinet member for housing Michael Evans said today he believed the new system would be much more efficient system.
