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Wednesday 19th October 2005 |
389/2005 |
Housing chiefs are proposing to make changes to how the tenancies of council houses in the borough are allocated in a bid to bust the queues!
Currently 20 per cent of tenancies are allocated on a first come - first served basis through the Property Shops in Leigh and Wigan. This approach has been a very successful way to encourage take up of tenancies on estates where demand for properties was low.
Now the demand for council housing is outstripping supply and customers have expressed frustration at having to contact their local housing office or queue at the Property Shops to see what homes are available.
If agreed, the changes will mean that all properties will be advertised weekly and will give customers six days to express an interest.
The need for queuing at the Property Shops will be removed and the new arrangements should provide a fairer system for everyone.
Wigan Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for housing, Cllr Chris Ready said: "This is a very positive and welcome change to the housing allocation policy. The old system had become unpopular with our customers and we have responded to their concerns. We will be writing to all applicants on the housing register to advise them of the changes."
The change will be considered by the Council’s Cabinet at its meeting on 20th October, 2005.
For more information contact Wigan & Leigh Housing Chief Executive Peter Gee on 01942 486507.