13 October 2006
Schemes that offer council tenants more choice over where to live are saving money because families are more likely to stay in their home longer, new research reveals.
An independent analysis, Monitoring the longer-term impacts of choice-based lettings, at 13 local authorities found that the number of tenancies terminated within 12 months fell by at least 10%.
But the study, published on October 5, by Heriot Watt University and the British Market Research Bureau, also reveals that some tenants are 'baffled' by the way homes are allocated.
Tenants also become frustrated if their bids are continually unsuccessful.
The first choice-based schemes were introduced five years ago and all authorities are expected to operate one by 2010.
The Department for Communities and Local Government, which is spending £4m on start-up schemes, says 80% of councils either use CBL or plan to introduce it, but the take-up among housing associations is more patchy.
PFoct2006
