Lib Dem plan to free up more Council homes

12.00.00am GMT Wed 3rd Feb 2010

Lib Dem-run Northampton Borough Council is introducing cash incentives for Council and Housing Association tenants able to downsize to smaller properties in a bid to free up much-needed family accommodation in the Borough.

The under-occupiers' scheme provides cash incentives to tenants who are currently living in a house larger than they need and are prepared to move to smaller homes.

Tenants wishing to move to smaller sized homes are being offered £500 for each spare bedroom they no longer need as well as financial help and support with moving.

Lib Dem Housing spokesperson and Borough Councillor for Kingsthorpe, Sally Beardsworth, said:

"More people are looking to move into social housing since the recession.

"Many of them are looking for family-sized homes. By encouraging those with extra space to downsize, we hope to be able to free up more family homes among the Council 12,500 properties.

The number of people on the Council's housing waiting list for family-sized homes has increased by 43% in the last year, from 2,034 in February 2009 to 3,592 this month.

This scheme is just one of the ways the council is trying to meet the growing demand. It already works with housing associations and private sector landlords in the area to offer their properties through its Choice Based Lettings scheme, but more homes are needed.

Commenting further, Sally added:

"It's a shame that Council tenants have been let down after 13 years of a Labour government. What we really need is more social homes. Nonetheless, this scheme is a practical way of making better use of Northampton's existing council housing stock.

"It offers a good deal to those who may be thinking about downsizing, like older tenants wanting to move into more manageable homes or families with older children set to fly the nest.

Similar incentive schemes have proved successful, with other councils reporting an increase in the number of family homes available to rent.

Any tenant wanting more information can call Northampton Borough Council's home choice team on Northampton 837936 or 837942, or attend home choice information surgeries being held every Thursday evenings from 6pm to 8pm at the Guildhall's One Stop Shop.

ENDS