Ex-service personnel may get higher priority for housing

Members of Calderdale Council's Cabinet are being asked to approve a number of amendments to the housing scheme, known as KeyChoice.

As well as assisting those leaving the armed forces, the main amendments proposed will help people affected by major regeneration schemes who have to move; 16 and 17-year-old children in need to be accommodated by the council; and homeless people who need longer than the current two-month allowance to find a home.

Councillor Amanda Byrne, Calderdale Council's Cabinet portfolio holder for economy and environment, said that looking into the proposed changes for the scheme would ensure that it was fairer.

She said: "The KeyChoice Scheme has been hugely successful, providing greater choice and control to those needing a new home.

"There is always room for improvement and by looking into the amendments proposed we can ensure the scheme is fairer and more efficient."

KeyChoice was launched in September 2007, in partnership with Pennine Housing 2000.

The scheme helps people looking for social housing and expressing an interest by making a "bid.'"

Properties are allocated based on an applicant's priority, and on the basis of waiting time.

The scheme has been very popular with Calderdale residents, says the council, with over 9,000 members registered by the end of September 2009.

During the first two years of the scheme 2,690 homes have been allocated using KeyChoice.

A review was recently undertaken of the scheme considering its original objectives and the need for any improvements.

It found that KeyChoice has enabled people seeking a home to make realistic choices about their housing options and that the scheme is "transparent" and "has clearly publicised available housing in the borough."

The review also found that the scheme was "more empowering" than the previous process.

Calderdale Council's Cabinet will discuss the proposals when it meets on Monday.