Waveney District Council has launched a scheme that will revolutionise the way tenants are allocated a home in the District.

In partnership with local Housing Associations and Great Yarmouth Borough Council (who already run their own very successful scheme), a ‘Choice Based Letting’ scheme called Homeselect will be available to those seeking council accommodation.

Choice Based Letting schemes empower people, giving them a greater say over where they live. Instead of points or complex assessments, all applicants are divided into one of three priority bands, based on their needs.

Rather than allocating properties from a list, or making nominations to housing associations, vacant properties in the scheme are advertised fortnightly in the local press, at local offices and on a dedicated website and telephone hotline.

Advertisements will provide clear details of each property, who is eligible and how to apply. Applicants will then have seven days to express an interest. Each fortnight, information about previously advertised properties will be provided, showing how many people applied and which band the successful applicants were in.

This is an open and transparent process, enabling applicants to build up a picture of how long they are likely to wait for a home in any given area.

Robert Prince, WDC’s Head of Strategic Housing said: “This is an exciting new approach to finding a home. Evidence shows that giving people a choice and a stake in where they live will lead to more satisfied tenants. It will make the system easier to understand and will ensure that applicants in most need are given priority.”

The scheme has found homes for more than 2,000 applicants since Great Yarmouth Borough Council launched it in November 2003.

Mr Prince continued: “Both Councils have limited housing stock and this system offers applicants a real say in choosing where they live.”