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Choice based lettings (CBL) is a government initiative developed to give housing applicants more choice about where they want to live. There are similar schemes which have been introduced across the country and many more being developed.
Five organisations within North Surrey have joined together to form a partnership to operate a CBL scheme in the area. The partnership goes under the name of SEARCH Moves and its partners are Spelthorne , Elmbridge and Runnymede Borough Councils, A2Dominion Housing Group and Elmbridge Housing Trust. The SEARCH Moves scheme started in in November 2009.
http://www.searchmoves.org.uk/
Policy for the allocation of social housing
Frequently asked questions
What is the Choice Based Lettings scheme?
Choice Based Lettings changes the way councils and registered social landlords let their homes. The SEARCH Moves scheme gives tenants a wider choice of properties in three Boroughs - Spelthorne, Elmbridge and Runnymede.
Homes will be advertised in various ways such as on the web and in printed form. Applicants will be invited to 'bid' - that is, to express an interest (no money is involved) - in a property of their choice.
Why did we change?
Choice Based Lettings schemes are a fairer and simpler way of letting homes. The Government required all local authorities and registered social landlords to provide wider housing choices by 2010.
What are the expected benefits?
- to give people the ability to make their own decisions about where they live and to exercise an element of choice
- to take in a wider geographical area for applicants to choose where they want to live
- to encourage the effective use of the limited homes available
What will the changes mean to applicants?
All existing and new applicants will be assessed according to their circumstances and placed in a banding scheme.
Email address - CBL.teamRBC@runnymede.gov.uk
HomeSwapper is for social tenants (in rented property) who want a house swap (or flat swap). This is also called mutual exchange. If you live in a council house or housing association property you can swap.