Home HOME Choice CHOICE .ORG.UK Plus PLUS

‘Working in partnership to offer choice from a range of housing options for people in housing need’ The Home Choice Plus process

The Home Choice Plus process 2 What is a ‘bid’? 8

Registering with Home Choice plus 3 How do I bid? 9

How does the banding system work? 4 How will I know if I am successful? 10

How do I find available properties? 7 Contacts 11

What is Home Choice Plus? Home Choice Plus has been designed to improve access to affordable housing. The advantage is that you only register once and the scheme allows you to view and bid on available properties for which you are eligible across all of the districts.

Home Choice Plus has been developed by a number of Local Authorities and Housing Associations working in partnership.

Home Choice Plus is a way of allocating housing and advertising other housing options across the participating Local Authority areas. (Home Choice Plus will also be used for advertising other housing options such as private rents and intermediate rents).

This booklet explains how to look for housing across all of the Districts involved in this scheme. Please see website for further information.

Who is eligible to join the Home Choice Plus register?

• Some people travelling to the are not entitled to Housing Association accommodation on the basis of their immigration status.

• You may be excluded if you have a history of serious rent arrears or anti social behaviour.

• You must be over the age of 16 to apply to join. However, some Housing Associations may not consider you for a tenancy if you are under the age of 18, please contact your local housing department, to discuss your options further.

These are the partnership areas: District Stratford-on-Avon District Worcester City Wychavo n District District

www.homechoiceplus.org.uk Version 5 July 2009 1 The Home Choice Plus process

You register with Home Choice Plus by filling 1 in a housing application

Once we have registered you, we will send you confirmation of the registration number and 2 the band you have been placed in

Housing Association properties (which are vacant) will be advertised each week at all 3 contact points

You can make up to 3 bids per week, as long 4 as you match what the advert asks for

The applicant with the highest priority and who has been in the relevant band the longest will 5 be put forward for the property

The successful applicant will be contacted by the Housing Association and asked for 6 information such as proof of identity. A viewing will be arranged and if you are accepted an offer will be made.

You will need to act quickly

2 1 Registering with Home Choice Plus

Where do I get an application form? Worcester City Council Orchard House Complex, Farrier Street, Worcester, WR1 3BB

On the Internet District Council Civic Centre, Queen Go to www.homechoiceplus.org.uk Elizabeth Drive, , Worcs, WR10 1PT Complete the Home Choice Plus application form, online; or download an application form; or use the Wyre Forest Community Housing Oxford House, online request for an application form to be sent to Oxford Street, , Worcs DY10 1BQ you; or email:

Bromsgrove District Housing Trust What happens next? [email protected] When we have received your completed Elgar Housing Association application form, we will register your details [email protected] and send you a letter confirming your personal Stratford-on-Avon District Council registration number, date of registration and the [email protected] banding you have been placed into. Worcester City Council [email protected] Your registration number is very important, as Wychavon District Council you will need this when placing ‘bids’ for [email protected] properties. Wyre Forest Community Housing [email protected] Your responsibilities once On the Telephone accepted onto the Home Choice Housing Trust 0800 0850160 Plus register Elgar Housing Association 01684 579579 Tell us if there are any changes in your Stratford-on-Avon District Council 01789 260861 circumstances, these may include: Worcester City Council 01905 722233 Wychavon District Council 01386 565020 • A change of address Wyre Forest Community Housing 01562 732356 • Changes in your local connection • Birth of a child They will send you an applicatio n form. Please • Medical reasons ensure you use the correct postage, when returning • Someone moves in or out of your household the application form. We will remove you from the Home Choice In Person Plus register if you: At any of the contact points listed in this booklet. • Ask to be removed; How do I register? • Change address and do not tell us; • Do not get in contact with us when we ask Please fill in an application form online, or in writing you to do so; and post or hand into: • Do not make a bid within two years of applying to the scheme – a new application Bromsgrove District Housing Trust will have to be made. Buntsford Court, Buntsford Gate, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 3DJ

Elgar Housing Association Partnership House, Grovewood Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 1GD

Stratford-on-Avon District Council Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon- Avon, Warks CV37 6HX 3 2 How does the banding system work?

When we have received a fullly completed application Deliberately worsening form your housing need will be assessed and you will be placed in a band. If further information is needed circumstances we will write to you. We will place you in bronze band If there is evidence that an applicant has deliberately until the information is recieved. You will still be able worsened their circumstances in order to qualify for a to bid for properties. Evidence will be collected and higher banding, no additional award will be given and checked before households are placed into a band. their original banding will remain.

Note: If there is a significant change in your Examples of deliberately worsening your circumstances, which results in a higher banding circumstances would include: being awarded, then your waiting time on the list will be effective from the date that the band changed. • Selling a property that is affordable and suitable for your needs. If you have multiple housing needs, this may be • Moving from a secure Assured Tenancy to insecure, reflected in the band you are allocated. overcrowded accommodation with family or friends. • Where there is evidence that you could have If the change in circumstances results in your remained in your original accommodation. banding being altered to a lower banding, then your waiting time on the list will be effective from the date At the applicants request this decision may be you joined the list. reviewed after a period of at least 12 months.

Banding due to homeless criteria, will only apply in the Local Authority area where that assessment was made.

Local Connection

We regard Local Connection as indicated below:

• Those who are normally resident in the Local Authority area. Local Government Association guidelines define this as having resided in the area for six of the last twelve months, or three out of the last five years, where residence has been out of choice; • Those who are employed in the Local Authority area – the Local Government Association guidelines define this as employment other than of a casua l nature; • Those who have family connections in the Local Authority area – the Local Government Association guidelines define this as immediate family members who have themselves lived in the area for five years.

Local Connection is defined in Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.

4 Bandings

Priority

Priority is initially awarded for three months and is only awarded where a local authority has accepted a homeless duty under part VII of the Housing Act 1996 as amended. • Homeless applicants will be expected to bid for all properties for which they are eligible. • Homeless applicants will be expected to have made a bid within the first 2 weeks. If they have not made a bid within this time then bids will be made on their behalf, by Home Choice Plus on properties for which they are eligible. • If a suitable offer is refused the homelessness duty may be discharged and the applicant may cease to have a priority status.

Gold Plus

Awarded for 6 months to applicants who have a local connection (see page 4) and is awarded for the following: • Homeless applicants where there is no statutory duty to re-house (excluding those who are intentionally homeless). • Households living in properties subject to certain enforcement notices. eg Abatement Notice from the local authority • Households with a very high medical need who need to move. • Households under the threat of homelessness through no fault of their own • Applicants who need to move from supported accommodation within the Home Choice Plus area. • Tenants of a partner Housing Association who are living in family homes bigger than they need and wish to move to smaller housing.

Gold

Awarded for 12 months to applicants who have a local connection (see page 4) and is awarded for the following: • Homeless applicants who have been determined to have become homeless intentionally. • Households who are suffering from harassment and domestic abuse who need to move. • Households who are, following a visit by Home Cho ice Plus, identified as experiencing overcrowding. • Households who are identified as living in exceptional circumstances. • Households with a child(ren) under 10 and living in an upstairs flat.

5 Bandings

Silver Plus

Awarded for 6 months to applicants who have no local connection and is awarded for the following: • Homeless applicants where there is no statutory duty to re-house (excluding those who are intentionally homeless). • Households living in properties subject to certain enforcement notices.eg Abatement Notice from the local authority. • Households with a very high medical need who need to move. • Households under the threat of homelessness through no fault of their own • Applicants who require to move on from supported accommodation within the Home Choice Plus area. • Tenants of a partner Housing Association who are living in family homes bigger than they need and wish to move to smaller housing.

Silver

Awarded for 12 months to applicants who have no local connection and is awarded for the following: • Homeless applicants who have been determined to have become homeless intentionally. • Households who are suffering from harassment and domestic abuse who need to move. • Households who are, following a visit by Home Choice Plus, identified as experiencing overcrowding. • Households who are identified as living in exceptional circumstances. • Households with a child(r en) under 10 and living in an upstairs flat.

Bronze Plus

There is no time limit on this banding and it is awarded for the following: • All applicants who live, work or have a local connection, to a particular district of the Home Choice Plus partnership, but who have a low housing need.

Bronze

There is no time limit on this banding and it is awarded for the following: • All applicants who have no local connection to any of the districts in the Home Choice Plus partnership and have a low housing need.

6 How do I find out what properties are 3 available?

Note: Properties will be advertised every Tuesday at All properties are advertised in a the start of the bidding cycle, except when this falls on number of ways. a bank or public holiday. They will then be advertised on the following day.

On the Internet If no properties are vacant then no adverts will appear. Available to anyone with access to the internet, the website enables applicants to view all Housing Associations may advertise some properties available properties on line at as giving preference to existing tenants. www.homechoiceplus.org.uk Please note that: On the Telephone • The properties may not have carpets, furniture or kitchen appliances (cooker, fridge etc.). You can listen to a recorded message detailing the properties available for that week by calling How quickly will I be housed? the Property Line on: This will depend on your housing need, the availability Bromsgrove District Housing Trust of the type of property you need and also the area(s) 01527 557543 you are considering.

Elgar Housing Association You will have a longer wait for the more popular 01684 579356 properties or areas.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council If you do not bid for properties you cannot be 01789 260840 considered for them, so it is important to be active in the Home Choice Plus scheme. Worcester City Council 01905 721163

Wychavon District Council 01386 565220

Wyre Forest Community Housing 01562 732300

In Person At any of the contact points in this booklet, • Posters advertising properties for that week, • Free internet access to view as well as being able to bid online.

Digi TV Available for some regions to anyone with an interactive digital television.

Community Outlets Newsletters may be displayed in community outlets, for example; libraries, parish councils, supermarkets etc.

7 4 What is a ‘bid’?

Don’t be worried about the word ‘bid’; you won’t be You will be expected to have a clear rent account and parting with any money. All this means is that you are your home must be in good order. actively interested and wish to be considered for the property or properties you are applying for. Are there any reasons that I may not be considered by a Housing How do I make a bid? Association? You can bid for properties in a number of ways. • If you have a history of anti-social behaviour within To make a bid you will need to have details of your the last 2 years. personal registration number, your date of birth and the property reference number(s). • If you have rent arrears. If you see a property that you are eligible for you can ask a frie nd, relative or any other helper to make a bid False statements and withholding on your behalf. information Anyone making false applications may be liable to You can only bid for properties prosecution. where you match what the advert This scheme falls within the provisions of Part VI of asks for. the Housing Act 1996. Section 171 of the Act states: For example, the property advert states ‘suitable for a couple and 2 children only’, regardless of your (1) A person commits an offence if, in connection with banding if you are a couple with 2 children, you can the exercise by a local housing authority of their bid for that property. Please read the advert carefully. functions under this Part – (a) He knowingly or recklessly makes a When can I bid for a property? statement which is false in material particular, or Properties will be advertised each Tuesday morning. (b) He knowingly withholds information which You can bid any time until 12 midnight on the the authority has reasonably required him following Monday. to give in connection with the exercise of those functions. This is called Where section 171 applies, a relevant partner of Home Choice Plus may bring a prosecution and the applicant may be excluded from the register. The weekly bidding cycle

How many properties can I bid for? The properties will be advertised each week and you can make up to 3 bids in any one weekly bidding cycle, as long as you match what the advert asks for.

You can remove and replace your bids at any time throughout the cycle. Your position may change as other people add and remove bids.

I am a Housing Association tenant, can I still bid for properties? If you are an existing Housing Association tenant seeking a move you will need to register with Home Choice Plus.

8 How do I bid...?

On the Internet Available to anyone with access to the internet, the website enables applicants to view all available properties on line at www.homechoiceplus.org.uk

If you do not have access to a computer, you can use a free internet service at all of the contact points listed in this booklet at which staff will be able to help.

On the Telephone Automated bidding line number 0845 270 0557 This is a 24-hour automated service.

By Mobile Phone You can text your bid from your mobile phone to 07781 486 644

Step 1 Open a new text message on your phone.

Step 2 Enter your registration number followed by a space, your date of birth, followed by a space and the property reference number you wish to bid on. For example 12345 16/03/1975 336699 If you wish to bid on a further property reference 445566 & 554433, your message will be: - For example 12345 16/03/1975 336699 445566 554433

Step 3 Check the numbers are correct and press ‘send’ or ‘ok’ on your keypad enter 07781 486 644

Step 4 SMS bidding allows the bidding procedure to become a two way process where the system will automatically send a response back to the mobile phone to a) confirm eligibility for the property, b) confirm whether the bid has been accepted and c) to provide feedback on your current bidding position

12345 12345 12345 12345 16/03/ 16/03/ 16/03/ 1975 1975 1975 336699 336699 445566 554433

In Person At any of the contact points listed in this booklet. If you are unsure how Home Choice Plus works and are having difficulty with how to place a bid, please call into any of the contact points in this booklet and the staff will be glad to assist you. 9 DigiTV (Wychavon) For Sky users • Press the Interactive button • Select TV Keys from the menu • Enter 9988 with the remote control and press 'select'

For Virgin Users • Press Interactive • Select News & Info • Select Looking Local • Select Wychavon

Mobile: For a 3 Mobile handset • Services • Websites • Look up Stuff • Looking Local

You can however type in the URL to any GPRS/WAP phone www.digitv.gov.uk/digitv/cds/lookinglocal/mobile/home

5 How will I know my bid is successful?

Properties for which you are eligible will be offered to the person in the highest relevant band and who has been registered the longest within that band. If your bid is successful you will then be contacted by the relevant Housing Association. 6 You are successful

The relevant Hous ing Association will carry out Compliments & Complaints appropriate checks, which may include: Please refer to your local contact listed • Asking for proof of identification in this booklet for further information. • Asking for proof of income •A Home visit Appeals If you disagree with a decision made on your It is important that you provide information as quickly application to Home Choice Plus you have the right to as possible when asked for it. If you delay, it may request a review of that decision. result in the property being offered to someone else. You must submit your request within 21 days from the Once they are happy with your application, a viewing date of the final decision letter. For further information will be arranged and a date to sign for the tenancy. please contact Home Choice Plus using your local Note: If you are offered a property you will not number listed at the back of this booklet. be short-listed for other properties until you have decided to either accept or refuse the offer.

The results of the successful bidder’s banding and date of registration in that banding, for each week will be advertised on the web site www.homechoiceplus.org.uk.

What if I refuse a property? If the Housing Association offers you a property and you refuse it this will not affect your future bids, but you need to be aware that your banding may be reviewed and the next time you bid you may not be successf ul.

If you are in a priority banding and a homelessness duty has been accepted and you refuse a suitable offer, then the homelessness duty may be discharged and you may cease to have a priority status. 10 Homechoice Plus Advice & Contact Points

Bromsgrove District Stratford-on-Avon District Bromsgrove District Housing Trust Stratford-on-Avon District Council Buntsford Court, Buntsford Gate, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bromsgrove, Worcs B60 3DJ Warks, CV37 6HX 0800 0850 160 [email protected] 01789 260861/2 www.bdht.co.uk [email protected] www.stratford.gov. uk Opening Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed 8.30am - 5.30pm Thurs 8.30am - 7pm Fri 8.30am - 4pm Opening Hours: Mon - Wed 8.45am - 5.15pm Thurs - Fri 8.45am - 5pm Bromsgrove District Council Customer Service Centre, School Drive, Stratford-on-Avon District Council Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 1AY 44 Telegraph Street, Shipston-on-Stour, 01527 881288 Warks, CV36 4DA [email protected] 01608 661458 www.bromsgrove.gov.uk Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Open ing Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri 9am–5pm Thurs 10am - 5pm Sat 9am - 12noon Stratford-on-Avon District Council Globe House, Priory Road, , Warks, B49 5DZ 01789 762216 Malvern Hills District Elgar Housing Association Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Partnership House, Grovewood Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 1GD Southam Library 01684 579579 High Street, Southam, Warks, CV47 0HB [email protected] 01926 817560 www.festivalhousing.org Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Opening Hours: Mon, Tue, Thurs & Fri 9am - 5pm Wed 10am - 5pm Worcester City Malvern Library Worcester City Council Graham Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 2HU Orchard House Complex, Farrier Street, 01684 862151 Worcester WR1 3BB 01905 722233 [email protected] Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm www.worcester.gov.uk

Tenbury Wells Library Opening Hours: Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri 8.30am - 5pm, 24 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells, Worcs, WR15 8AA Wed 10am - 5pm 01684 862151 Worcester Community Housing Opening Hours: Customer Service Centre Independent House, Farrier Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri 9.30am - 5.30pm Street, Worcester, WR1 3BH (closed on Wed) 0800 1972 805 [email protected] www.wchnet.co.uk Upton Upon Severn Library School Lane, Upton Upon Severn, Worcs, WR8 0LE Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm 01684 862151 Warndon Office Opening Hours: Mon 1.30pm - 5.30pm, 56 Cranham Drive, Warndon, Worcester, WR4 9PA Wed & Fri 9.30am - 5.30pm (closed 12.30 - 1.30) 0800 1972 805

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm

11 Homechoice Plus Advice & Contact Points

Wychavon District Wychavon District Council Community Housing Group Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, Worcs, Oxford House, Oxford Str eet, Kidderminster, WR10 1PT Worcs, DY10 1BQ 01386 565020 [email protected] 01562 732356 [email protected] www.wychavon.gov.uk www.communityhg.com

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 4.30pm Sat 9am -12.30pm Wyre Forest District Council - Droitwich Community Contact Centre Hub 44 High Street, , Worcs, WR9 8ES Vicar Street, Kidderminster, Worcs, DY10 1DB www.wychavon.gov.uk 01562 732928 www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am -12.30pm Opening Hours: Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri 8.30am - 5pm Wed 10am - 5pm Community Contact Centre Abbey Road, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4SB Wyre Forest District Council - www.wychavon.gov.uk Worcestershire Hub Civic Centre, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcs DY13 8UJ Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 8pm, 01562 732928 Sat 9am -5pm, Sun 10am - 4pm www.wyreforestd c.gov.uk

Rooftop Housing Group Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm 70 High Street, Evesham, Worcs WR11 4YD 01386 420800 www.rooftopgroup.org Wyre Forest District Council - Worcestershire Hub Opening Hours: 6 Load Street, , Worcs, DY12 2AF Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri 9am - 5pm Wed 9.30am - 5pm 01562 732928 www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk Spa Housing Association The Royal Exchange, 9 Queen Street, Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 1pm Droitwich Spa, Worcs, WR9 8LA 01905 823100 www.festivalhousing.org

Opening Hours: Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri 9am - 5pm Wed 10am - 5pm

12 What do the symbols mean?

0 5 Bedrooms - Max 5 Has garden

Max Age Supported Housing

Min Age Sheltered Housing

Pets allowed/ Off street parking not allowed

Adapted for disibilities Garage

13 Local Connection Towns and Villages

Bromsgrove Doddenham Malvern Town Lighthorne District Earls Croome Chase Lighthorne Heath Aston Fields Eldersfield Dyson Perrins Little Compton Alvechurch Eastham Link Little Wolford Barnt Green Guarlford Pickersleigh Long Compton Beoley Great Witley Priory Long Itchington Belbroughton Grimley Malvern West Long Marston Bentley Hallow Loxley Catshill Hanley Castle Luddington Charford Hill Croome Mappleborough Green Clent Hillhampton Stratford- Marlcliff Cofton Hanley on-Avon Moreton Morrell Dodford Holt District Napton Holdfast Newbold-on-Stour Fairfield Admington Hanley Swan Northend Finstall Alcester Kempsey Norton Lindsey Frankley Green Alderminster Kenswick Oxhill Hagley Ashorne Knightwick Pillerton Priors Hollywood Aston Cantlow Knighton-on-Teme Priors Hardwick Hopwood Avon Dassett Kyre Priors Marston Millfields Barton/Heath Lindridge Quinton Norton Bearley Leigh Radway Romsley Bidford Longdon Ratley Rock Hill Binton Leigh Sinton Salford Priors Rubery Bishops Itchington Lulsley Sambourne Sidemoor Blackwell Little Witley Shipston-on-Stour Stoke Heath Bra iles Little Malvern Shotteswell Stoke Prior Broom Lower Sapey Snitterfield Tutnal Burmington Madresfield Southam Wythall Butlers Marston Mamble Stockton Bromsgrove Town Cherington Malvern Wells Stratford-Upon-Avon Centre Claverdon Martley Stretton on Fosse Clifford Chambers Newland Studley Coughton Pendock Tanworth Darlingscote Temple Grafton Malvern Dorsington Pensax Tiddington Dunnington Hills Queenhill Tredington Earlswood District Ripple Tysoe Ettington Rochford Ufton Malvern Rural Exhall Rushwick Ullenhall Astley Farnborough Ryall Warmington Alfrick Fenny Compton Shelsley Beauchamp Welford-on-Avon Abberley Gaydon Shrawley Wellesbourne Bransford Great Alne Shelsey Kings Weston-on-Avon Broadheath Great Wolford Stockton-on-Teme Whatcote Birtsmorton Halford Stanford with Orleton Whichford Bockleton Hampton Lucy Severn Stoke Willington Broadwas Harbury Suckley Wilmcote Bayton Haselor Shelsley Walsh Wolverton Bus hley Henley-in-Arden Stoke Bliss Wootton Wawen Berrow Honington Tenbury Castlemorton Idlicote Tunnel Hill Callow End Ilmington Upton-upon-Severn Croome D’Abitot Kineton Welland Colletts Green Knightcote Wichenford Clifton-on-Teme Ladbroke Cotheridge 14 Local Connection Towns and Villages

Worcester Fairfield Stourport-on Severn City Four Pools Eckington Stourport Town Hampton Claines Rynal Lickhill Blackpole & Brickfields Newtown Barbourne & Northwick Evesham Rural Wilden Battenhall & Redhill Kington Walshes City Centre Aldington Dines Green Ashton-under-Hill Lower Moor Bewdley Ronkswood Naunton Beauchamp Bewdley Town St Peters & Barnshall Netherton Barkhill Tolladine Beckford Hales Park Tunnel Hill Norton Juxta Kempsey Wribbenhall Rainbow Hill & Goodrest St Johns Broadway Rural Warndon Villages Charlton Pirton Warndon Childswickham Spetchley Stoulton Churchill Cookhill Throckmorton Far Forest Wychavon District Cropthorne Low Habberley Droitwich Town Rock Central Harvington Whittington Chawson Hinton-on-the -Green Wick / Arley Chawson Valley Copcut Wyre Stone East Holloway Westlands North & Mid Littleton Droitwich Rural Norton & Lenchwick Wyre Bradley Green Forest Broad Common Crowle District Cutnall Green Rous Lench Kidderminster Doverdale Kidderminster Town Baxter Gardens Birchen Coppice Broadwaters Hanbury Pershore Town Charles Street / George Abbey Estate Street Pershore Central Comberton Station Road Foley Park Franche Pershore Rural Habberley Abberton Hoobrook / Aggborough Sale Green Horsefair / Broad Street Hurcott Road / Lark Hill Tibberton Juniper Court Orchard Street Westwood Offmore Bredons Norton Rifle Range Spennells Evesham Town Sutton Farm Abbots Morton Churchill Wood Street Estate / Park Street Evesham Central Dormston Woodfield Estate Worcester Road 15