Islington Tribune - News: Downsizing families offered less than neighbours on the move

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Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 16 November 2007

Downsizing families offered less than neighbours on the move

COUNCIL tenants in Islington who move to a smaller home in exchange for a cash bonus will receive less than half the sum on offer to residents in neighbouring boroughs.
Islington Council’s under-occupiers scheme aims to free up larger council properties by offering tenants £500 for every bedroom they give up as well as up to £300 for removal costs.
The council also stumps up cash to redecorate and carpet homes for anyone moving from a four-bedroom to a one-bedroom property.
But tenants in neighbouring Camden and Westminster stand to make significantly more from similar schemes. Westminster Council offers £2,000 per bedroom, and Camden £1,000.
Westminster tenants who move from a four-bed council home immediately qualify for a £5,000 bonus.
Islington Lib Dem housing chief Councillor Terry Stacy said: “The whole purpose is to free up larger-sized properties for families in need.
“We have more than 5,000 people on the housing waiting list for two-bed or larger properties and, given our financial constraints, have to be creative as possible in freeing up accommodation.
“In theory, someone moving from a four-bed to a one-bed would receive £1,500. This is a great incentive for the tenant and council because we can secure a property for a fraction of the cost of having to build it.”
A council spokesman said: “The under-occupation scheme has received an additional £150,000 of government funding.”
This meant that, as an alternative to the £500-a-bedroom offer, it also has available a package worth up to £10,000, made up of cash for rooms given up, removal costs, white goods and decorating – but only as long as the cash lasts.
For more information about the scheme, call the re-housing team on 0207 527 4140.

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