Choice Based Lettings
The Council has introduced a Choice Based Lettings
scheme (CBL). This is a new way of allocating registered social
landlords' properties to applicants on the housing register and
transfer list.
CBL is a simple, clear process through which affordable
housing is allocated in Broxbourne. CBL allows you to let the
Council know which properties you would like to be put forward for
in the area of your choice, rather than the Council nominating you
to a property.
The fact sheet for choice based lettings can be downloaded
through the links on the right hand side of this page.
Why has the Council introduced Choice Based Lettings?
Choice Based Lettings was introduced following a Government
requirement that all local authorities in England and Wales provide
greater choice in their lettings process by the year 2010.
Benefits of Choice Based Lettings
- Better quality of information about properties that are
available and an open system of allocation
- Clearer and easier to understand allocations policy
- Gives the applicant choice to decide when and what property to
bid for rather than waiting for an offer
- More efficient working between the Council and its
partners
- Support for vulnerable people in expressing an interest in a
property
How does Choice Based Lettings work?
The scheme puts the initiative on you, the customer, to express
an interest for properties that are advertised. To express an
interest means to tell us that you would like to live in a certain
property; it does not involve a deposit or any money.
Those registered on the Council's housing register and transfer
list can 'bid' for properties they are interested
in. The successful bidder is the person with the highest
points and who best meets the criteria for the property. Our
allocations policy details how the Council determines priorities
between housing applicants.
You will be able to express an interest using a variety of
methods, including via the Internet, the telephone, text
message or with paper coupons. You can compare your points
with the feedback included in the fortnightly free sheet or via the
internet.
Unfortunately, CBL will not increase the number of properties
available for letting so you may still have to wait a long time to
be re-housed.
What is the Choice Based Lettings scheme called?
HomeOption is the name of the choice based
lettings scheme operating in Broxbourne.
Where can I find out more about HomeOption?
If you would like more information about how this scheme will
work and how you can make an expression of interest, please contact
the housing needs manager on 01992 785505 or email eam.housingneeds@broxbourne.gov.uk.
More information on CBL can be found on the HomeOption website.
I need information in different languages/formats?
Do you need the choice based lettings guide in large print,
braille, on an audio tape or in another language? Please
contact the housing projects manager on 01992 785505 or email
eam.housingneeds@broxbourne.gov.uk.
Frequently asked questions concerning Choice Based Lettings are
answered here.