Council updates on best ways to get in touch for housing queries

Wiltshire Council is advising people who have housing queries or need advice and support to continue getting in touch by phone or email.

For the past three years, the council's housing teams have answered queries and provided support by phone and email. The system has worked well and many people using the service who responded to a survey last year said they preferred phone as the first choice with email second choice.

One responder said: "So much easier than getting to an office - less time consuming."

Now people are being advised to continue contacting the council in this way rather than visiting council offices where suitable housing officers may not be present. Queries dealt with by phone or email can be directed to the relevant officer swiftly.

Since January, Wiltshire Council has set up a single number - 0300 456 0106 - for a range of housing queries. The new phone system makes it easy for people to be put through to the correct person who can help with their query. People can also send email queries directly to homeless@wiltshire.gov.uk  (opens new window).

The service provides tailored advice to people with housing issues or who are at risk of homelessness, and also deals with people facing eviction or possession action, affordability issues and paying rent or mortgage, or the suitability of existing accommodation, among other housing problems.

People who specifically want to join the housing register should continue to contact the Homes4Wiltshire team on 0300 456 0104.

Cllr Phil Alford, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "Our housing teams are ready and able to deal with any issues that people have around housing. Over the past three years we've answered queries by phone and email and this system has worked effectively. We are reminding people to continue using these methods rather than trying to visit the offices, as this may lengthen the process and it could take longer to get your issue resolved. Our teams are ready and waiting to take your call and deal with your issue in the best way possible."

You can see more information on housing enquiries on the Contact Housing Solutions web page.