Choice Based Lettings

Broxtowe Borough Council is proposing to change the way it allocates council housing. A group comprising three Councils and registered social landlords (often known as housing associations) has been formed to develop a Choice Based Lettings (CBL) scheme.

The group comprises Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe Borough Councils.

What is Choice Based Lettings? (CBL)

CBL is different to the traditional way of allocating housing via a waiting list. CBL allows applicants of council and registered social landlords (and tenants who wish to transfer) to apply for vacancies which are advertised.

Typically, available or soon-to-be-available properties will be advertised weekly or fortnightly using media such as posters, web sites, newspapers, in council offices etc. Housing applicants will then be able to register their interest in a property - this is sometimes known as 'bidding' for a property. The applicant who has the highest priority under the scheme will become the successful bidder and, subject to checks confirming they are still eligible for housing and in the same housing need, will be offered the property.

Choice Based Lettings Consultation

Consultation with all the people and organisations who will be affected by or who have an interest in this proposal, in particular customers and advocates, took place over a twelve week period from Monday 1 February till Saturday 24 April 2010.

The response to the proposals has been generally very positive. The project board has considered the feedback and have made certain amendments to the draft allocations policy and the scheme to reflect the comments received. The full consultation report has now been published and is available on the website.

What happens next?

All of those people who are currently housing waiting list applicants with Broxtowe Borough Council will be written to and asked to re-register their details over the coming months. It is very important that those who wish to be considered for housing re-register when the time comes.

It is anticipated that the new scheme will be launched by the end of 2010. Further updates and information will be provided via the Broxtowe website or you can telephone Broxtowe Borough Council if you would like to speak to someone about Choice Based Lettings or the new allocations policy. Contact details can be found on the right hand side.