Housing Customer Consultation 2006
Autumn 2006 - Responses to the Changes in the Hart Housing Register
In the Autumn of 2006 we wrote to all the applicants on the Housing Register regarding the proposed changes to the way in which the Housing Register operates the results of this consultation are reported below.
Due to the overwhelmingly positive response received on these proposals, the changes to the Housing Register have now been implemented.
The response to the changes in the Housing Register (based on the 140 responses that were received up until the 20th of November) has been very positive as the results above show. Most people agreed to the proposed changes and feel that it will improve the way the Housing Register operates. Some of the comments to come out of the consultation are provided on the sheet below along with actions we have taken to accommodate these views. Whilst we may not be able to take into account all points of view, we welcome your comments and will try to make improvements where we can.
Comments on the Autumn 2006 Changes to the Hart Housing Register
“Nowhere in your leaflet do you mention your aged housing policy, do you still intend to run a separate list or will we aged applicants be included, on the normal housing register?”
We have introduced a leaflet which is intended to provide housing options and advice to older people. It includes information on Sheltered Housing and we welcome comments on what people would like included in this leaflet. Please ask the Housing Options team for a leaflet or visit www.hart.gov.uk for more information. Applicants will remain on the merged Housing Register, but when sheltered or adapted properties become available we will continue to shortlist only suitable applicants to make the most appropriate use of our housing stock.
“As I am living [outside of Hart] I am concerned that I may miss out on an offer regarding the bidding process as I'm not near your office and I don’t have a computer so I’d receive a letter from you. I feel I 'm at a disadvantage with this system”
We will be providing much more information about the proposed change over to Choice Based Lettings (CBL) closer to the time we plan to adopt it (Spring 2007). Applicants will be able to bid through a number of methods including telephone, internet, text, or with the help of friends / family / carers / adult services etc. There will be assistance with the process available to those who need it, through the Housing Options team at Hart District Council or other support agencies.
“I would like to have received a slip from Hart when I sent in my application that you sent because of the changes, I feel very uneasy about that. I know the volume would have been huge but I didn’t know if you received or not, a worry!”
We had envisaged that we would be sending out the information regarding proposed changes to the Housing Register only two weeks after receiving back responses to the completion of new application forms. Due to the slow rate we received forms back the second letter took longer to send out than planned. We apologise for any anxiety this may have caused to those who had been waiting some time. We will continue to send back confirmation slips for all received applications once the point system changes, within 1 working day and send you a letter saying how many points you have received within 10 working days after you have received your acknowledgement slip. If you apply online you will receive an automatic response providing you with an application number as soon as you commence, followed by acknowledgement in writing after you have completed and sent the form.
