SHL Option 02a - Homechoice and other social landlords - getting registered April 2011

Homechoice andother social housing -getting registered

Tr a n s f o rm i n g L i ve s Homechoice

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22 Homechoice and other social housing - getting registered

Contents

Introduction

Quick guide to Homechoice

Who can apply to Homechoice?

How to register with Homechoice

How we assess applications

How to apply to Housing Associations

Useful Contacts

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5

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33Homechoice and other social housing - getting registered

Introduction

Over a thousand households a year find a new home throughHomechoice, both with Stockport Homes and local HousingAssociations.

It is an open and clear way of allocating homes,with properties advertised on the internet, atStockport Homes’ Area Housing Offices,libraries and Advice Centres throughout theBorough. Registered applicants can then 'bid'(express an interest) for up to three propertieseach advert where they would like to live.Homes are offered to households with thegreatest housing priority.

We also publish the results of the adverts, soapplicants can see how properties have beenallocated and make best use of their bids in thefuture.

This booklet explains how to apply toHomechoice, and how we decide what prioritypeople get for rehousing. It briefly explains howyou can then bid for properties, but moreinformation on this is included in our booklet'Homechoice - How do I get a property?'.

You can also apply directly to Housing Associations for rehousing as notall of their homes are advertised through Homechoice. Details of theseschemes are at the back of this booklet.

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Quick guide to Homechoice

The flowchart below explains briefly how Homechoice works.More detailed information is included later in the booklet.

To apply for a property you first need to register with Homechoice by completing a form and returning it to the Housing Information Centre. More details on who can apply and how to do this are on pages 5-8.

After assessing your application we will let you know your application number and what priority for rehousing you have. Details of how we assess applications are on pages 9-17.

You can then bid for properties after looking at the advert we produce every Wednesday on the internet. Details of how you can place bids and the help we can provide are included in our booklet 'Homechoice - How do I get a property?'

At the end of each advert we look at who has applied for each property. We then offer it to the applicant with the highest priority for rehousing. Details of how this works and how offers are made are included in our booklet 'Homechoice - How do I get a property?'

Homechoice and other social housing - getting registered

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Who can apply to Homechoice?

Most people can apply for properties through Homechoice, but there aresome exceptions. These are:

• people from abroad fitting into certain categories; or

• people who are not considered suitable to be tenants due to anti-social behaviour or rent arrears.

Those aged 16 or 17 years old can register with Homechoice, and startto build up 'time on list' points, but are not usually able to apply forproperties until they are 18.

People from abroad unable to registerThe Law says that we cannot allocate properties to certain categories ofpeople who are from abroad or do not have the UK as their main home.This is a very complicated area, but if it applies to you we will explain it infull and advise you of other housing options you may be able to access.

If it is decided that you cannot register with Homechoice, you can askfor the decision to be reviewed. You may also want to seek someindependent advice from a solicitor or agency such as Shelter who canbe contacted on 0808 800 4444.

People who are not considered suitable to be tenantsApplicants with a history of serious anti-social behaviour or high rentarrears may also not be able to register with Homechoice. There are two things we would look at when making this decision:


1) If you had been one of our tenants at the timeof the behaviour or rent arrears, would it havebeen bad enough for us to take you to Courtand get an outright possession order; and

2) have you shown that that your behaviour hasimproved so you would now be suitable to be atenant, for example having started to pay off rentarrears or not committed any further anti-socialacts.

If we decide that you cannot register withHomechoice, you can ask for the decision to bereviewed. We will advise you of the otherhousing options available to you, and you mayalso want to get some independent advice froma solicitor or agency such as Shelter who can becontacted on 0808 800 4444.

16 / 17 year oldsYoung people aged 16 or 17 years old can register with Homechoice,however they cannot apply for properties until they are 18. If a 16 or 17 year old has nowhere to live, then we will work closely with SocialServices to make sure they have appropriate accommodation until theyare ready to have their own tenancy.


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To register with Homechoice, you first need to complete an applicationform. Forms are available in the following ways:

• in person by visiting the Housing Information Centre at 1 St. Peter’s Square or any of our Area Housing Offices;

• by telephoning us on 0161 474 2975;

• by emailing us at [email protected];

• by texting us on 07797 806630; or

• Alternatively, you can complete a Homechoice application online by going to www.stockporthomes.org and clicking ‘apply for a home’.

The form will ask details about who you wish to move with you, andwhere you have been living. It is important that you fill in all of the formand make sure it is signed, otherwise we will return it to you.

When we receive the form, we will check it has been filled in and maycontact you for more information. For example, if you have recently solda property or have a criminal record we will need to ask for more details.

We also hold 'face-to-face' registration sessions, where you can sit witha member of the Homechoice Team who will process your applicationthere and then. These are held at the Housing Information Centre, butplease telephone in advance to check availability on 0161 474 2975.

If you need any further help registering with us, or are unable to visit ouroffices due to a disability, please contact us and we will be happy toassist you further or arrange a home visit.

How to register with Homechoice


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Commonly Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to get registered?A: We will process 100% of housing application forms and medicalassessments within 10 working days (as long as we have the informationneeded). Remember, if the form is not signed or fully filled in we need tosend it back to you, which causes delays.

Q: How can I arrange for a face-to-face registration session?A: Just telephone us on 0161 474 2975 and we will arrange anappointment for you.

Q: What do I do if I change my address or my circumstances change?A: All you need to do is fill in a short form which we can send out to you,this can be downloaded from the internet, or can be collected from theHousing Information Centre and Area Housing Offices. Just telephone uson 0161 474 2975 if you would like a form posted out.


How we assess applications

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Homechoice applications are assessed using Stockport Council'sAllocations Policy. This policy explains who can apply to Homechoice,what properties people can apply for and what priority for rehousing theyshould be given.

When we receive an application form, there are four main things weneed to look at:

1) Is the applicant allowed to register?

2) What type and size of property can the applicant apply for?

3) How many rehousing points should be awarded?

4) What priority group should the applicant be in?

When your application has been assessed, we will write to you toexplain what size and type of property you can apply for, how manypoints you have been awarded, and what priority group you are in.

1. Is the applicant allowed to register?This is covered on pages 5 and 6. We will write to applicants if they arenot able to register and explain why. They can also ask for that decisionto be reviewed.

2. What size and type of property can the applicant apply for?Homechoice advertises properties of all sizes and types, from studioflats, through to family sized houses and maisonettes. To make the bestuse of properties, the type and size of home you can apply for dependsupon the makeup of your moving group. The following table explainshow we decide what size and type of home you can apply for.


Single person or couple without children

Single person or couple without children

Single person or couple with one or two childrenSingle person or couple with access to childrenmore than 50% of the time (except where ex-partner lives in a house)

Single person or couple with access to childrenTwo adults not in a relationshipCouple requiring separate bedrooms for medical reasonsSingle person or couple expecting a childSingle person or couple with one or two children

Single person or couple with two, three or fourchildren (depending on age or sex)Single person or couple with access to two,three or four children for more than 50% of time (except where ex-partner lives in a house)

Single person or couple with two, three or fourchildren (depending on age or sex)Single person or couple with access to two,three or four children for more than 50% of timeLancashire Hill - Local Lettings Policy Applies(contact Homechoice Team for details)

0 Bedroom Studio

One BedroomHouse / Flat / Multi-storey or Bungalow

Two Bedroom Houseor Bungalow

Two BedroomFlat / Maisonette or

Multi-storey

Three BedroomHouse or Bungalow

Three Bedroom Flat/ Multi-storyorMaisonette

What size and type of property can the applicant apply for?

Homechoice and other social housing - getting registered1100

Property types Qualifying household type

Single person or couple with four, five or sixchildren (depending on age or sex)Single person or couple with access to four, five orsix children (depending on age or sex) for morethan 50% of time (except where ex-partner lives in a house)

Single person or couple with four, five or sixchildren (depending on age or sex)Single person or couple with access to four, five orsix children for more than 50% of time (dependingon age or sex)

Single person or couple with six, seven or eightchildren (depending on age or sex)Single person or couple with access to six, sevenor eight children (depending on age or sex) formore then 50% of the time (except where ex-partner lives in a house)

Single person or couple with seven, eight or ninechildren (depending on age or sex)Single person or couple with access to seven,eight or nine children (depending on age or sex) formore then 50% of the time (except where ex-partner lives in a house)

Four BedroomHouse orBungalow

Four BedroomFlat or Maisonette

Five BedroomHouse

Six BedroomHouse

Homechoice and other social housing - getting registered 1111

What size and type of property can the applicant apply for?

Property types Qualifying household type

If a property is 'Parlour type' (has separate lounge and dining rooms) applicants whoneed a property one bedroom larger would be eligible for this. For example anapplicant on the register for a four bedroom house would also be considered for athree bedroom parlour type house.Some properties also have a 'local lettings policy' which means that you can only applyfor them if, for example, you are over a certain age, only have one child, or are able toprovide references. Local lettings policies are clearly explained on the Homechoiceadvert so you can see whether you are able to apply.

3. How many rehousing points should be awarded to anapplication?The Allocations Policy explains the different circumstances rehousingpoints should be given for, and how they should be added up. In somesituations you can get full points for more than one category, in othersyou get a lower amount (secondary points) where more than oneapplies.

The table below explains the points scheme:

Lack of facilities (max 40 points)(No internal toilet, bathing facilities,running hot water).

Compulsory purchase orderClearance etc.

Accommodation with repairsthat cannot be put right(only awarded if the landlord hasnot accepted responsibility)For example, structural insecurityor penetration by damp.

Applicants living above theground floor with Childrenunder the age of 12.

20 points are awarded for thefirst facility lacking, 10 for eachadditional one.

40 points are awarded wherean order is in place.

25 are awarded for structuralinstability or dampnesspenetration (for eachapplication, not for each repairissue). A lower award of fivepoints is made whereCompulsory Purchase,Clearance or Land Acquisitionpoints are in place due todisrepair.

10 points per child (please notethat if you have homelessnessor insecurity of tenure points,

Points awardedCircumstances

Homechoice and other social housing - getting registered1122

Points awarded


1) Medical - where an applicantshealth is being made worse bytheir living arrangements.

2) Social - where the applicant issubject to harassment or threatsof violence.

3) Welfare / Support needs -where an applicant needs tomove to be closer to support.

you are only awarded anadditional five or 10 points intotal depending upon thenumber of children).

These are three separate types ofpoints, however they often havecommon causes. If you have aneed to move due to medical orsocial reasons, then an award of10, 25, 40, or 50 points may bemade depending upon the level ofneed. For Welfare / Supportneeds an award of 10 or 25 pointsmay be made.

If you meet the category for morethan one of these points, but it isfor the same reason (forexample, you have a medicalneed due to a social issue), thenyou will be awarded five or 10points for the lesser need and thefull points for the main one.

(please note that if you have homelessness or insecurity of tenurepoints, you can only be awarded anadditional five or 10 points for socialand welfare issues, depending uponhow great the need is). Somemedical points are only awarded fora specific property type aswell, forexample, if you need a ground flooror adapted property.


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Overcrowding

Applicants sharing facilitiesApplicants share basic amenitieswith those who are notconsidered to be part of theimmediate family.

Families living apartFamilies who have previouslylived together but are unable tocontinue to do so due to lack ofsuitable accommodation.

Homelessness points

10 points for each bedroomlacking (please note that if youhave homelessness orinsecurity of tenure of points,you are only awarded anadditional five or 10 points intotal depending upon thenumber of rooms you arelacking).

10 points are awarded (pleasenote that if you havehomelessness or insecurity oftenure points, you are onlyawarded an additional fivepoints for sharing facilities).

10 points are awarded.

50 points are awarded for thoseassessed as beingunintentionally homeless and inpriority need by the HousingOptions Team. 30 points areawarded for those assessed asbeing homeless, but not inpriority need by the HousingOptions Team.




Insecurity of Tenure points Awarded where people are in atenancy, or own their own home,but face losing it in the near futurethrough no fault of their own.

Supported Housing Only awarded to applicants inSupporting People fundedaccommodation who havecompleted a Supporting Peopleprogramme or blocking a hospitalbed and are ready for discharge.

Lodger Living with another person orhousehold.

Under-occupancy Only awarded to StockportCouncil tenants and tenants ofHousing Associations in Stockportwhere the property is too big forthe household.

Time on list (max 20 points).

30 points are awarded by theHousing Options Team.

40 points awarded.

Five points are awarded forlodging with a family member(mother, father, brother, sister,adult child), 10 points for thoselodging with a non-family member.(please note that if you havehomelessness points, you can onlybe awarded an additional five forlodging).

20 for each bedroom.

Five for each full year on theHomechoice Register.


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4. What priority group should an applicant be in?As well as deciding how many points an application should be awarded,we also put them into one of four priority groups. Which group anapplication is placed in depends upon whether a household has any kindof housing need, and also whether a 'local criteria' applies. A local criteriais where a lower priority is given to an application because they have rentarrears, have demonstrated some form of anti-social behaviour, haverecently abandoned or given up a tenancy, or have substantial equity(money left over) from the sale of a property. The four priority groups are:

• Priority One - Applicants with any form of housing need and no local criteria.

• Priority Two - Applicants with any form of housing need and a local criteria.

• Priority Three - Applicants with no housing need and no local criteria.

• Priority Four - Applicants with no housing need and a local criteria.

Commonly Asked Questions

QQ:: HHooww aarree mmeeddiiccaall aasssseessssmmeennttss mmaaddee?? A: Applicants with a medical need are asked to fill in a form explaininghow their medical situation is affected by where they are living. This isthen assessed by a medical professional and the Senior HomechoiceOfficer who may seek further information from the applicant's doctor orspecialist. Points are only awarded where someone's health is beingmade worse by their living arrangements, and the level of awarddepends upon how serious the situation is.



Q: When are social need points awarded? A: These points are awarded when a housing need arises from difficultieswith other people, for example, a neighbour or ex-partner. They only applyif harassment, violence or threats are particularly targeted at the applicant,rather then general anti-social behaviour in an area.

Q: What is a local criteria? A: A local criteria is when an application is placed into a lower prioritygroup due to rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, recently terminating orabandoning a tenancy or having equity (money left over) from the sale ofa property.

Q: My landlord has asked me to leave my tenancy, do I get insecurity points?A: Insecurity points are awarded after an interview with a HousingOptions Officer and they are unable to end the risk of you losing yourhome. There are lots of things they can do to help, and the team can becontacted on 0161 474 4237.

Q: What if I don’t agree with how you have assessed my application or don’t understand why I have been given the priority I have?A: If you want us to explain your points level or anything else about yourapplication, please call us on 0161 474 2975. You can also drop intothe Housing Information Centre or arrange an appointment to see amember of the Homechoice Team if you prefer. If you disagree with howwe have assessed your application, you also have a right to ask for it tobe reviewed.

How to apply toHousing Associations

There are six main Housing Associations in Stockport, all of whichallocate a lot of their homes through Homechoice. Five of them alsohave their own housing registers and you can apply to them directly.They are:

• Equity Housing Group;• Contour Housing Group;• Harvest Housing Association;• Guinness Northern Counties; and• Johnnie Johnson Housing Association.

You can find their contact details in the usefulnumbers’ section at the back of this booklet as well as a list of the other Housing Associations in Stockport.

You should now have a clearer understanding about the HomechoiceScheme and how it works and feel ready to apply with Homechoice andthe support available to help you. We also provide a second bookletwhich explains the bidding system involved in the Homechoice systemwhich you can get from the Housing Information Centre and we will alsosend you a copy with your points letter once you are registered.


Useful contacts


Homechoice1 St. Peter’s Square, Stockport SK1 1NZBidding: 0161 474 4567Enquiries: 0161 474 2975Fax: 0161 474 1934Web: www.stockporthomes.org/homechoiceEmail: [email protected]

Housing Options Team1 St. Peter’s Square, Stockport SK1 1NZTel: 0161 474 4237Fax: 0161 474 1934Email: [email protected]

Housing Support Point1 St. Peter’s Square, Stockport SK1 1NZTel: 0161 474 3719Fax: 0161 474 1934Email: [email protected]

Equity Housing GroupArmitt House, Monmouth Road, Cheadle Hulme, Stockport SK8 7EFTel: 0800 733 233Email: [email protected]

Contour Housing GroupQuay Plaza 2, 1st Floor - Lowry Mall, Salford QuaysSalford M50 3AHTel: 0345 602 1120

Harvest Housing AssociationSt. Christopher House, 217 Wellington Road South, Stockport SK4 6NGTel: 0345 345 0272

Mossbank Homes250 Wellington Road South, Stockport SK2 6NWTel: 0161 474 8340Email: [email protected]: www.mossbank.org.uk

Guinness Northern Counties139 Buxton Road, Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6EQTel: 0845 605 9000Email: [email protected]

Johnnie Johnson Housing AssociationAstra House, Spinners Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1GATel: 0845 604 1095Email: [email protected]

AnchorTel: 0845 775 8595

ArconTel: 0161 214 4120

Tung SingTel: 01925 445 675

English ChurchesTel: 0845 070 7074

AdactusTel: 0845 505 3355

Housing 21Tel: 01274 744 190

Irwell ValleyTel: 0161 610 1000

MuirTel: 01928 728 000

Homeswapperwww.homeswapper.co.uk



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There are other leaflets in the series that you may find helpful:

SHL Option 1 Your Housing Options in Stockport

SHL Option 2b Homechoice - How do I get a property?

SHL Option 4 Looking for private rented accommodation?Struggling to find a deposit?

SHL Option 5 Housing Options for young parents

SHL Option 6 Housing Options for older people

SHL Option 7 Housing Options for people leaving prison

SHL Option 8 More than a home - A guide to work, education and training

SHL Option 10 Temporary and supported accommodation in and around Stockport

SHL Option 11 Moving home or staying put- we can help

SHL Option 12 Do you need furniture for your home?

SHL Option 13 Moving to an adapted home

SHL Option 14 Equipment and Adaptations Service

SHL Option 9 Are you homeless in Stockport?

SHL Option 3 Are you a young person being asked to leave home?

Accessing our services

This booklet gives you information about how to register withHomechoice and other social landlords. If you would like a copy in largeprint, Braille, on audio tape or CD, please contact the Social InclusionTeam on 0161 474 2860 or email:[email protected]

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SHL Option 02a - Homechoice and other social landlords - getting registered April 2011