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; SEARCH Moves. The partners are Spelthorne Borough Council, Elmbridge Borough Council, Runnymede Borough Council, A2Dominion Housing Group and Elmbridge Housing Trust.

Customer satisfaction should improve with the onset of the scheme which will enable eligible applicants to have a wider choice of homes depending availability. Properties will be advertised on the Internet and in print. There will be a percentage of properties offered across the boundaries of the three Boroughs thereby giving more geographical choice. Applicants will be invited to 'bid' for properties, no money will change hands and priority will be given to those applicants in most housing need and according to the length of time on the housing register.

Applicants will be assessed by banding. There will be five bands from A-E with those applicants in high priority for housing in Band A. All current applicants on the housing registers will be informed of the change. The scheme is due to start during 2009

In preparation for the onset of the scheme a draft lettings policy (Word 325kb) has been developed. Please email CBL@spelthorne.gov.uk with your comments or call 01784 446481 for more information.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Choice Based Lettings scheme?

Choice Based Lettings changes the way councils and registered social landlords let their homes. It 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. There may be times when choice will be limited because of supply and demand.

Why are we changing?

Choice Based Lettings schemes are a fairer and simpler way of letting homes. The Government requires 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.

When will the changes take place?

Search Moves choice based lettings is planned to start during 2009.

What will happen between now and when the new scheme starts?

Partners that still use points for their housing applicants will be changing to a banding system before the onset of CBL and now that the consultation period is over staff will be trained on the scheme and advice and guidance will be available for applicants and stakeholders in due course.