Non-Bidders survey

Non-bidders survey

January 2011

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In Spring 2010, Tamworth Borough Council introduced Choice Based Lettings, ‘Finding a Home’ scheme which altered the way in which homes are ‘matched’ to people who apply for housing. We now advertise all available Council homes plus some from housing associations and people who want to move home can express an interest by ‘bidding’ for homes that are suitable for their housing need. To make sure that everybody who wants to move understands, and can use, the new system a short questionnaire was sent to all applicants who have registered an interest in housing but have so far not ‘bid’ on an advertised property. A stamp addressed freepost envelope was included with the letter to return the questionnaire. The responses provided will be used to improve the service we offer so that everybody who wants to move has an opportunity to do so. From the 1200 surveys sent out 285 customers submitted responses to the questionnaire and a further 13 were stating that the person was ‘no longer at this address’. This report has been summarised from the 285 responses received. What you told us:

Q1) I haven't bid for any advertised homes so far because I don't want to move any more - I'm fine where I am 15 (5%) of respondents requested that they are removed from the housing register.

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Q2) I've applied for housing as I think I'll want to move in the future, but I don't want to move yet 91 (32%) of respondents stated that they want to move in the future but not yet. Q3) I don't really understand how the new system works or how to make a bid. 107 (38%) of respondents stated that they did not understand the new system and how it works. 55 letters with registration numbers, the 4simple steps leaflet (shown above) and the ‘Finding a Home booklet’ were sent out. 32 did not provide a name or address to allow us to send them this information. 20 others stated that someone was assisting them to look for properties. Q4) A home that would suit me hasn't been advertised yet. 93 (33%) of respondents stated that a home that would suit them has not been advertised yet. Q5) I don't get to see the homes that are advertised so I'm not aware of what I could bid for. 90 (32%) of respondents stated that they don't get to see the homes that are advertised so are not aware of what they can bid for. Homes are advertised on the website, Tamworth Herald, reception area of Marmion House or through a telephone enquiry by calling the Housing Advice Team and placing a bid. Q6) The size of the home I'm allowed to apply for is too small for my households needs. 54 (19%) of respondents made this statement. Many of these were either not happy with the banding that they have been placed in or wanted more bedrooms so that family could come and stay. Q7) I can't tell from the adverts which home would suit my needs 23 (8%) of respondents made this statement and comments to say they would like to see the property before bidding or that it doesn’t tell you about the area it is in. However, any successful applicant is given the opportunity to view the property and to refuse it if they wish to do so. Q8) I believe that I earn too much, or have too many savings to be eligible for a council or Housing Association home 4 (1%) of respondents agreed with the above statement that they may earn to much or have too many savings to be eligible for a Council or Housing Association. Q9) I am a home owner and I believe that this means I can't apply for a rented home. 20 (7%) of respondents are home owners trying to sell their homes due to financial hardship or because of mobility issues and a desire to move into Sheltered Accommodation.

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Q10) I'm not sure how moving would affect me in other ways. 21 (7%) of respondents stated they are not sure how moving would affect them in other ways. a) I own my home now and don't know what would happen if I want to move into rented housing. 15 (5%) of respondents who own their own homes are not sure what would happen if they wanted to move into rented accommodation. Several of these people were elderly and needing a bungalow or sheltered accommodation. b) I have disabilities that mean I need adaptations to my home - I'm not sure what would happen if I move 30 (11%) of respondents stated that they have disabilities and need adaptations in their own home and are not sure what would happen if they move. Many of the people who responded stated that their homes have already had adaptations carried out on them making them reluctant to move until it was really necessary. Q10c) I have other circumstances that might affect whether I can move 22 (8%) of respondents stated that they have other circumstances that might affect whether they would move. These are mainly due to disabilities, the banding they had been placed in, not being in a financial position to move or needing assistance to move. Q11) There are other reasons - not covered above – why applicants haven’t bid. . These are covered later in this report. Action taken 55 letters sent with housing registration numbers to allow customers to bid for properties, ‘4 simple steps’ leaflet and ‘Finding a Home’ booklet. The Housing Advice Team dealt with 17 enquiries of respondents. 3 change of circumstance forms were posted out. 2 HomeSwapper information forms were sent out.

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3 letters sent to check that people did want to stay on the system. 4 people were placed on a vulnerable list and bids will be placed on their behalf after a needs and risk assessment had been carried out. Over 40 telephone enquiries were dealt with by the Tenant Participation Team or the Housing Advice Team. A high proportion of these were from people who had mislaid their registration number which allows them to bid for properties. A small proportion of these were people checking what ‘banding’ they had been placed in.

Comments made

♦ Caring for parents at the moment but would like to move in the future

♦ Lack of 2 bedroom properties

♦ Currently in privately rented accommodation

♦ Unaware of how to access the system

♦ No internet access

♦ Cannot use a computer

♦ Want a garden for my dog

♦ Would like to view the property to see if it’s clean

♦ I have rent and council tax arrears at the moment

♦ Want a larger property that I have been told I can bid for in case my family want to come and stay.

When asked the question - If you have suggestions about how we can better support you to use the Finding a Home system, please use this space to tell us about these:

♦ A postal service or a housing officer who rang from time to time would suit my situation.

♦ I am housebound and require assistance

♦ More flexibility regarding age especially when people have health issues

♦ Explain how to use the system

♦ Not enough 2 bedroom properties being advertised

♦ Need to live in a house with supported accommodation

♦ Give more information on bidding system

♦ Use a wider variety of homes each week

♦ Your online bidding instructions are not helpful

♦ Drop the age barriers Useful telephone numbers: Housing Advice Team to check your registration number or what banding you have been placed in 01827 709459