Blazing a trail in housing options
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
21/08/2008
Hammersmith and Fulham Council is set to pilot a radical new approach to housing advice.
The council has been named by the government as a ‘Housing Options Trailblazer’ and is now in an elite band of just twelve local authorities in Britain with this status.
Advice on training, employment and childcare are just some of the extra services that Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) residents will be offered when discussing their housing options.
H&F Council will continue to provide residents with personalised advice on housing options as well as giving extra advice on training, education and employment. The council will also continue to develop its choice based lettings system to help more residents get a foot on the housing ladder of opportunity.
By providing advice on the full range of housing options and linking this with wider employment related advice the council aims to enable more residents to make the right housing choices for them.
Councillor Lucy Ivimy, H&F Council Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “When it comes to housing options, this council is now setting the standard for others to follow. The enhanced services offered through our housing options team will ensure a genuine springboard to better things for our residents and not just a safety net. This is all part of our Borough of Opportunity drive.”
The council will also take on a mentoring role, sharing best practice and providing support to other councils wanting to start their own enhanced housing options schemes.
Cllr Ivimy added: “This council has a strong track record in preventing homelessness, reducing the number of people in temporary accommodation and providing an integrated service which not only solves housing problems but also helps improve residents’ lives in a variety of ways.
“We have never believed in a one size fits all approach and our new status, as a Housing Options Trailblazer, will allow us to further tailor our services to benefit local people.”
