Dartford Council tenants being offered at least £500 to downsize their homes
10:36am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News By Alan Woods
TENANTS living in Dartford Council owned homes are being offered at least £500 if they move to a smaller house.
The council’s Downsize for Cash scheme is aiming to reduce the number of unoccupied rooms in their properties by encouraging people to downsize.
For every room a tenant releases, they will be paid £500 cash as well as a further £100 to go towards moving costs.
An example given by the council explains how a couple moving from a three-bedroom house to a one-bedroom house could be handed £1,100 - £500 each for the two rooms they release as well as the £100 moving costs.
As a further sweetener, tenants getting involved will be moved to their area of choice in the town, if this is possible, while additional funding may also be available to fund removal and packaging expenses.
Dartford Council portfolio holder for housing Councillor Pat Coleman said: “The council aims to assist as many people as possible in finding suitable housing for themselves and their families.
“To do this, we need our existing tenants’ help in making under-occupied larger properties available to families in housing need.
“The Downsize for Cash scheme makes the move rewarding for all involved.”
For more information, visit dartford.gov.uk/housing or call 01322 343378.
What do you think of this idea? Would it tempt you to downsize your house? Email your thoughts to awoods@london.newsquest.co.uk .
