Tenants get to meet new homes while 'speed dating'

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities

Tenants of Sanctuary Housing were invited to a 'speed dating' event designed to help them downsize their homes.

Anticipating next year's Welfare Reform Act - which will see housing benefit claimants hit with the so-called "bedroom tax" - Sanctuary’s session was created to bring under-occupiers and over-occupiers together in the hope they might take part in mutual exchanges.

The meeting - which took place in the housing association's Banbury office - saw 25 residents and families take part, with the potential swappers bringing along pictures and details of their homes.

Sanctuary reports that the session has produced a number of success stories. In particular, it was love at first sight for two families who have already agreed to swap homes. Both properties are close to one another in Banbury, and the arrangement will see a family of four swap their two-bedroom home for a three-bedroom home currently lived in by a family of three.

From April 2013, tenants whose homes are under-occupied will have their housing benefit payments cut.

The 'speed dating' event is part of Sanctuary’s wider attempt to increase awareness of the changes.

Area Manager Matthew Swain, who came up with the concept, explained: “In true speed-dating tradition, over-occupiers were given three minutes to discuss both their current property and their desired property, before moving on to the next residents looking to downsize.

“Potential exchanges were noted down and for each ‘match’ we issued application forms, arranged viewings and encouraged residents to swap contact details. It was a real success and credit should be given to our housing officers, Michelle Lewis and Ria Armstrong for their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm in making this happen.”

Head of Housing, Christa Ripley, commented: “We are distributing literature, setting up workshops and arming our staff with the knowledge to be able to advise our residents. But this isn’t just about the welfare reform changes; it’s about meeting the needs of our residents and improving their quality of life.

“The process of moving house can be a daunting one, and the speed dating event not only highlighted possible exchanges, but it also gave us the chance to empower residents to know their options – such as Homeswapper, Choice Based Lettings, and the Mutual Exchange process.

“It was a highly successful event, with very positive feedback from our residents. We are now looking to do the same in other areas so that we remain proactive in tackling the under occupancy issue before April next year.”