Pocket cash for choosing smaller home (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Pocket cash for choosing smaller home

8:50am Wednesday 16th May 2007 in News By Natalie Fahy

Borough housing association tenants could pocket £500 more per bedroom if they leave their property.

In a bid to free up large houses, Richmond upon Thames Council will offer tenants £2,500 per bedroom to relocate to smaller properties.

The sponsored moves scheme has so far freed up 86 homes, but more are desperately needed, with 5,000 names currently on the housing waiting list. Tenants are currently offered £2,000 per bedroom.

Under the new proposals, someone moving from a three-bedroom house to a one-bedroom property would receive £5,000 plus many other benefits, including cash help with moving costs.

Cabinet member for adult services, health and housing councillor Denise Carr, said: "There is a serious shortage of affordable, family-sized properties in the borough.

"Our sponsored moves scheme, the first of its kind in London, has so far released 86 family-sized homes. These larger properties are desperately needed in this borough.

"However, despite our best efforts, take-up of the scheme appears to be on the wane.

"So an increase in grants may act as a further incentive. It's a scheme where people can make a real choice.

"They tell us what they want and we try to meet their needs and provide practical support every step of the way, not only with the choice of property but also to ensure the move itself goes as smoothly as possible."

For further information about the sponsored moves scheme call 020 8891 7497.