We are introducing a new Allocations Policy which is being introduced in partnership with the five Local Authorities of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.

The new Choice Based Letting Scheme will be named Property Pool Plus and work has begun to develop the new logo and new online IT system.  The Scheme is due to be implemented in the Spring/Summer of 2012 and will bring a new way of applying for and being offered homes in Halton.

The Trust will act as the main point of contact for housing in Halton and will administer the scheme for the other housing providers who own and manage property in Halton.

Instead of applying and waiting your turn, and then being offered something which the Landlord thinks is suitable, available properties are advertised weekly and customers ‘bid’ for the ones which interest them.  For clarity ‘bidding’ is simply a way of expressing your interest, and there is no money involved in placing a bid.

There is still a means of prioritising customers to ensure those in greatest need are helped first, but the whole process is simpler, more transparent, and provides the customer with a lot more information on which to assess their re-housing prospects.

The partners intend to adopt a common application form, a common housing register, a common allocations policy and a shared computer system. It is envisaged that this approach will offer a simplified, more accessible service for customers as well as creating efficiencies for partner organisations.

Over the coming months the Trust will be holding events which customers and stakeholders can attend to find out more and will be writing to customers on the waiting list to let them know more about how the change will affect them.