Homeselect, the new allocations scheme for Council and Housing association properties in the Waveney area is about to be launched.

If you were registered with Waveney under the old scheme you will shortly receive a letter and booklet informing you of your details and how the scheme works.
 
We thought that we would put a few general Questions and Answers together for you although, most of this information can be down loaded from the HomeSelect website at www.homeselect.org.uk


Q. How is Homeselect different from the old scheme?

A. It lets you apply for a home of your choice instead of having to wait for an offer which somebody else thinks is suitable.


Q. What is a banding?

A. Homeselect uses a banding system, Gold, Silver and Bronze to identify housing need. Those registered in the gold band being identified as having the highest housing need.


Q. How do I apply and how will I know what band I have been given?

A. You will need to complete a registration form and either hand deliver to Waveney District Council via Marina House, Battery Green Road, Lowestoft (ex benefit office next to the Marina Theatre) or any other Reception areas or post direct to:

Homeselect
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
Grayfriars House
Grayfriars Way
Great Yarmouth
Norfolk NR30 2QE

Once registered a letter of confirmation will be sent to you telling you your
Application number
Priority band
Application date
Size, type and location of home you can apply for


Q. Where can I get a registration form from?

A. 1) If you have access to the above website you can download a registration form.
2) Visit Marina House, Battery Green Road, Lowestoft (ex benefit office next to the Marina Theatre) or any Waveney District Council Main Reception areas and they should have one available for your collection.


Q. Where will properties be advertised when the scheme is launched?

A. 1) Properties will be advertised each fortnight in the Waveney Advertiser (should you not receive this paper then a copy of the advertisement will be sent to your home address)
2) By accessing the website
3) By listening the properties being advertised on our 24 hour dedicated telephone line (01493) 846140 selecting option 1.


Q. What is a bid and how many bids can I make?

A. We use the term bid instead of saying ‘expressing an interest in a property’. This is far more easily remembered. You can bid for a maximum of 2 properties from each advertisement.


Q. Am I best to bid on the first day that the properties are advertised?

A. No, you have 7 days to bid and bidding early makes no difference.


Q. What do you mean by the Feedback Section on the Advertisements?

A. At the bottom of each fortnightly advertisement, we will advertise the details of the successful applicants for previously advertised properties. This information will help you decide where you have the best chance of being rehoused and whether you should consider other housing options.


Q. What if my circumstances change?

A. You will need to let the Homeselect team know as soon as possible. You may be advised to complete a new application form, as we will need the information to reassess your application in case the change affects your priority banding.


Q. How will I know if I’m successful and am going to be made an offer?

A. If your application is selected, a housing officer will visit you to check the details of your application and make sure there are no problems, before making an offer


Q. Will I be allowed to look at the inside of the property before making a decision?

A. Yes, you will be asked to contact the housing officer to make arrangements for an accompanied viewing, before you will expected to make any decisions in regard to accepting the property.


Q. I am disabled how will I know what properties will be suitable for my needs?

A. You will need to complete a medical and welfare form explaining the effect your current housing is impacting on your health and how your condition might be helped by a move to another property. Our independent medical adviser will assess your situation; this may involve a home visit. If it is decided that you need some form of property with adaptations then you will be advised in writing what type of disability code your application will be placed in. A key to adaptations to a property will be listed on each advertisement.


Q. What if I disagree with the banding that I am placed in?

A. If you disagree with your banding you have 28 days to request an appeal. If you wish to appeal you will need to contact Homeselect and they will send you a form which you should complete and return with 14 days.

We hope this has helped with any queries that you may have in regard to how the scheme works and we will be running a series of surgeries in the Market Towns in the not too distant future and will be advertising the dates as soon as possible.


Back to the HomeSelect introduction page