Help shape Wandsworth housing reforms

Residents can help shape new first-time-buyer initiatives and drive reforms in the way affordable housing is allocated in Wandsworth.

The council has now launched a new survey asking local people for their views on the big housing issues as part of a major shake-up of Town Hall's housing policies.

To submit your views visit www.wandsworthmatters.co.uk/uc/housing_futures1

Among the changes being considered is a proposal to offer local first-time-buyers interest-free loans of up to £50,000 which they can use as a deposit to secure their first home.

The scheme would offer low and middle income households a simpler alternative to the more complex part-buy part-rent initiatives currently available and provide greater choice over where they could live.

The scheme could be part-funded through Right to Buy sale receipts which are set to increase following changes proposed by Wandsworth Council which are now being taken forward by the Prime Minister.

The borough's social housing allocation policy is also up for review. Councillors have already changed the system to give armed forces personnel a better chance of securing a council home and have outlined plans to move working households higher up the waiting list.

Currently more than two thirds of council homes are going to unemployed residents. By giving additional priority to people who are in work or training councillors want to create an extra incentive for local people to find lasting employment. Residents in urgent need of a home would remain at the top of the priority list.

Wandsworth Council's home ownership spokesman Cllr Guy Senior said:

"In Wandsworth thousands of hardworking households are priced out of the local housing market and have little chance of qualifying for a secure tenancy from a social landlord.

"We are determined to drive forward new ideas - like our proposed deposit scheme - which will bring home ownership within reach of people who don't have the bank of mum and dad to fall back on.

"We also want to find ways of letting more social housing to people who are working to encourage self-help and investment in the local economy. None of the changes being looked at would affect the supply of homes to the most vulnerable members of our community and we will continue to make provision for those with acute and pressing needs."

Residents who want to find out more about home ownership options in Wandsworth are invited to an affordable housing open day at the Town Hall this week.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the event on Thursday, October 20 at the Civic Suite, Wandsworth Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street. Doors are open from 2pm until 8pm.

The council's home ownership team will be on hand to explain the different affordable home ownership schemes available and to answer questions about the application process.

Local housing providers will be there to introduce the range of homes they have available across the borough and independent financial advisors and solicitors will also be on hand to provide one-to-one advice on mortgages and the buying process.

Unlike most councils, Wandsworth ensures people who live and work in the borough are given priority when applying for local affordable homes.

Detailed information of the following affordable housing schemes will be available on the day:

• Shared Ownership
• Social Homebuy
• Intermediate Rent
• House Purchase Grant (for council tenants)
• Right To Buy (for council tenants)

For more information about the event or to learn more about home buying opportunities in Wandsworth, call the Home Ownership Team on (020) 8871 6016/8171, email housesales@wandsworth.gov.uk or visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/homeownership