Choice Based Lettings

A change in the way in which vacant properties are allocated has taken place across the Tees Valley sub region. The new choice based lettings scheme has replaced the points based allocation schemes.

The new choice based lettings scheme is called Compass.

A partnership of local authorities and social landlords has been formed to develop and implement the scheme, which spans the whole of the Tees Valley. This partnership includes Middlesbrough Council, Stockton on Tees Borough Council, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Hartlepool Borough Council, Darlington Borough Council, Erimus Housing, Tristar Homes, Coast and Country Housing and Housing Hartlepool.

The partnership has developed a common policy for allocating vacant properties and assessing housing need.

What is Choice Based Lettings (CBL)?

CBL is a system used by Councils and Registered Social Landlords (RSL) to let their vacant properties through a variety of advertising media, similar to the way in which estate agents advertise properties. The CBL system is designed to offer more choice and involves applicants in selecting a home.

Why are you introducing a sub regional CBL scheme?

The Government has set a target for all local authorities to introduce CBL by 2010 and they believe the best way of doing this is to work together as a sub regional or regional partnership. A sub regional scheme gives applicants more choice as they can see a whole range of vacant properties advertised across the Tees Valley and they only have to complete one application form making the whole process less complex and simpler to understand. The new system is more cost effective as all partners share the setting up and running costs.

Further information including application forms and current available properties is available at www.compasscbl.org.uk