Homesearch

As the county was hit by a wave of snow yesterday officers did what they could to provide a full service. Unfortunately some provision was affected as Officers struggled to travel, and the Homesearch drop in at Keynsham One Stop Shop had to be cancelled.

A number of officers made it to council offices to provide the Housing Options Drop in from Lewis House, Bath and a full telephone service was available for the day for both Homesearch and Housing Options. The adverts were all registered and bidding is available as normal today.

A reduced service is available today focusing on providing full telephone cover as conditions around the county are still hazardous for staff and customers. It is hoped that we will return to business as usual on Monday 5th March 2018.

Are you, or do you know someone who is struggling in their own home? Are they aged over 55yrs?

If so they could be eligible for sheltered housing through Homesearch. You can apply for sheltered housing no matter what your financial circumstances, and irrespective of whether you live in a home you own, privately rented accomodation or in social housing. So if you are struggling with your stairs, or can't manage the garden any more, or know someone who is please get in touch with us on 01225 396118.

Sheltered properties are for older or disabled applicants who have support needs but wish to live independently. Properties are typically one bedroom bungalows or flats and have wardens on site or an assistance alarm system.

If an applicant lives in a social housing property that is now to big for them, and are downsizing to a sheltered flat or bungalow you could also get extra priority for a quicker move in order that your current home can be offered to one of the many families on our waiting list. We can also do a home visit if you are unable to get to our offices to apply, or do not have access to a computor to apply online, just mention this during your call.

Do you live or work in Bath and North East Somerset? Is your household income under £60,000? Have you considered low cost shared ownership?

Update your Homesearch application to register your interest in shared ownership and we will email you details of any properties advertised by Local Housing providers in our area as and when they become available. There are shared ownership properties currently available at The Chill, Ensleigh - Bath, The Meadows - Keynsham, Factorys View – Keynsham, Linnet Way – Keynsham and  Knights Rise – Temple Cloud

Register with Help to Buy South for more information on how the scheme works and see properties available to purchase across the South. www.helptobuysouth.co.uk

Do you or a member of your household have any medical needs that make life difficult in your current property? If so contact us now to request a medical assessment form on 01225 396118.

When returning a medical assessment form please ensure you provide adequate supporting evidence from a qualified medical practitioner: GP, Nurse, Specialist, Health Visitor, Paediatrician etc.

Medical priority to move will only be given in cases where a move to alternative accommodation would significantly improve or alleviate the problems the relevant applicant is experiencing.

The existing One Stop Shop at the Hollies, Midsomer Norton (MSN) will close at 1pm on Wednesday 14th February 2018 and from Thursday 15th February most services will be delivered from the MSN library. Therefore the last normal service day will be Tues 13th February 2018.

The Housing Options & Advice service on Tuesdays will still be available from the Hollies however customers will need to contact a Housing officer using the telephone in the upper ground floor entrance lobby where they will be greeted and shown to a room. There will be no Thursday Housing service during the interim period however access to the Homesearch register and properties will still be available from the library.

The new fully integrated space will be opening in early June 2018 where a full Housing service will resume.