New housing approach will ensure people consider all options when seeking a new home

Wiltshire Council is changing the way people apply to join its social housing register, so people can receive the right advice and support at the earliest stage and help manage demand.  

The new approach aims to resolve housing issues which lead people to apply and ensure people are considering all the options to find a new home if necessary or make their present home more suitable.

Often people applying have housing issues which would be better addressed by a conversation with a housing officer.  Previously people seeking social housing applied online at the Homes4Wiltshire website (opens new window) without a conversation with a housing officer. 

Visitors to the Homes4Wiltshire website, who want to make a new online housing application, now see a message asking them to call and speak to a housing officer for advice. The initiative will ensure people who have a housing need under the council's Allocation Policy are supported to apply, and people without a housing need receive support and timely advice to make informed decisions including how to ensure that they have a suitable and sustainable home.

Where customers have a housing need but are not eligible for social housing, they will receive support and advice about other options including private lets and low cost home ownership. The change is aligned with the council business plan to ensure services meet local need.

People previously registered on the website will continue to be able to bid in the normal way and, if they have any issues, can continue to call 0300 456 0104 during office hours. New prospective housing applicants can call and speak to a housing officer on 0300 456 0106 between 0900 and 1700 hours.  Where people are homeless, for out of hours the emergency number is 0300 456 0100.

Cllr Phil Alford, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "We've introduced these changes to improve the way the service works for everyone and provide a better service overall.

"Our council housing stock will always be available for those who have a clear need for this type of accommodation. There will be others where we will be able to offer them timely advice on other options so they can make informed decisions on the best way forward for them. We want to speak to people and give one to one advice."