Relocation grants double under housing changes

Nov 12 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

IMPROVEMENTS are being made to the way council homes are allocated in West Lothian.

Following a consultation, the council’s allocations policy is being amended to ensure it is fair and transparent, and gives more help to those whose need is greatest.

Key changes include - less emphasis on length of time on the housing list and more priority given to those greatest housing need for the longest period of time; reducing the age where kids sharing a bedroom get additional overcrowding points from 10 to eight; and changing the areas for selection from estate to town level, except where individual circumstances need to be taken into account.

It will also double the relocation grant for people downsizing to £1000 to cover decoration and removal costs, to encourage people to free up larger homes for those in need.

Council tenants over 60 moving to a smaller home will get extra help, as they will receive £1000 plus removal and decoration costs.

Frank Anderson, executive councillor for services to the community, said: “These changes will further improve our already robust allocations policy.

“We hope that doubling the relocation grant, which is currently under used, will encourage more people to consider moving to a smaller property, which will provide extra larger family homes to meet the demand.

“We have consulted widely on these changes, taking in the views of tenants, registered social landlords, partners and voluntary groups, to make sure our revised allocations policy meets the needs of the whole community.”

A ‘traffic light’ system will also be developed and introduced to help applicants with advice and assistance on the turnover of council properties.