Register on the Choice-Based Lettings Scheme
Barrow Borough Council Housing Service are part of
the Cumbria Choice, Choice-Based Lettings Scheme.
Cumbria Choice is where all the main social housing providers in
Cumbria now advertise their vacant properties.
You have to register to take part in the scheme and you can do
this online at www.cumbriachoice.org.uk.
Once registered, you will be able to complete an application
form online via the Cumbria Choice website. Alternatively,
you can request an application form from our office:
tel. (01229) 876302 or 876550 or email: housinglettings@barrowbc.gov.uk
As soon as you are registered on the Cumbria Choice scheme you
will be able to view adverts giving details of all our vacant
properties (as well as other vacant properties in Cumbria).
You are then given the option to express an interest (called
‘bidding’) for the properties you would like to be considered
for.
You will be able to view all the properties each week:
On
the Cumbria Choice website at www.cumbriachoice.org.uk
Contact a member of our Housing Options Team on (01229)
876302 or 876550 if you require help in finding out about available
properties.
In
news sheets available to view in the reception area of the Housing
Service or on the Cumbria Choice website: www.cumbriachoice.org.uk
- The adverts will give you information about the property to
help you make the right choice. The adverts will tell you who
is eligible for the property, for example, household type - couple
with 3+ children, age restrictions (over 60 years for example) and
any local connection requirements.
- If you try to bid on a property and you are not eligible you
will be told the reason why. For example, you may be
ineligible because of household type - you are a family with one
child and the property is only suitable for a single
person.
- Property of the week - This is a property that has been
advertised before and not been offered. All applicants will
be eligible to 'bid' for the property and it will then be offered
to the person who has been on the housing register longest and is
most suited in terms of household type.
How to 'Bid' for a property
You can express an interest on a property ('bid') by:
Visiting the Cumbria Choice website at
www.cumbriachoice.org.uk
Using the automated telephone line and calling 0300
011 2160. You will need:
- Your housing register number
Your memorable date (usually the main applicant's date of
birth).
- The property reference number(s) that you want to 'bid'
for.
- The telephone system will tell you what to do.
Sending an SMS text message to 07537 402 596.
- Type your housing register reference number followed by a
space.
Type your memorable date (dd/mm/yy) followed by a space.
Type the first property reference number followed by a space.
If you have finished 'bidding' send the text message, or ...
- Type the second property reference number followed by a
space.
- Sends the SMS text message to 07537 402 596.
- You will receive a text message to confirm that your 'bid(s)'
have been accepted or, if they have not been accepted, the reason
why.
Calling a member of our Housing Options
Team on (01229) 876550 or 876302.
Making a ‘bid’ in person at the Housing
Service office.
How shortlisting works
Remember, you can bid for up to three properties
every week.
- You will be able to 'bid' each week from Thursday through to
midnight on the following Tuesday. It doesn't matter when you
'bid' as the shortlist is drawn up once the 'bidding' period has
closed - midnight on Tuesday.
- At the end of the 'bidding' process (midnight on Tuesday)
Cumbria Choice puts the 'bids' for each property in order - by
Band, local connection and effective date. This is the
shortlist.
- Usually the person at the top of the shortlist will be invited
to view the property. Only the person to view the property
will be contacted.
How properties are offered
Cumbria Choice aims to contact the person at the top of the
shortlist within 24 hours.
What are the chances of getting a property in my preferred area
in this Borough?
The leaflet, Housing Matters for Prospective
Tenants, gives further information on Council
accommodation in the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness. This
leaflet contains a table which gives a breakdown of the number of
properties in every area of the Borough, together with the number
of properties that actually became vacant for letting during April
2011 and March 2012. Although these figures are
for the previous year, the location and frequency of vacancies is
similar from year to year. This information will help you
understand the likely number of properties that will come available
in your areas of choice.
Have you any concerns or questions?
If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to
contact a member of our Housing Options Team on (01229) 876302 /
876550 or our Assistant Operations Manager, Caroline Wagstaff on
(01229) 876310.
Alternatively, you may wish to view a wide range of frequently
asked questions and answers on the Cumbria choice website:
http://www.cumbriachoice.org.uk/Data/ASPPages/1/35.aspx
Further information:
Cumbria Choice Newsletters:
Equality & Diversity
Barrow Borough Council believes that everyone should be
treated fairly and with respect. Your application for housing will
not be treated any differently because of your gender,
religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, economic status or
any disabilities you may have. Click here for more
information on the
Council's Commitment to
Equality & Diversity including its Single
Equality Scheme (SES).
Other housing-related information
Young People Leaving Home
If you are a young person thinking about leaving home, please
link to Leaving Home Guide for useful information for
people who are thinking of leaving home or who have already left
home and who need somewhere to live.
Furnished Accommodation
The Housing Service provides a small number of flats which are
furnished tenancies. Please contact our Housing Support
Assistant on (01229) 876580 for further details.
Sheltered Accommodation for Older People
The Housing Service provides
accommodation at Eamont Close and parts of Dalton for older
people. These properties have the benefit of a community
alarm service and housing support provided in conjunction with
Cumbria Adult Care Services. There are also properties
suitable for older people elsewhere in the Borough. For
further details, talk to a member of our Housing Options Team on
(01229) 876302 or 876550.
Registered Social Landlords (Housing Associations)
Within the Borough there are a number
of Registered Social Landlords. Below are details of the type
of accommodation they provide and their web site addresses for
further details.
Accent provide a range of accommodation from
flats for single people, sheltered accommodation for older people
and families. They also provide accommodation for single
homeless people. Web site address
www.accentgroup.org/.
Anchor Housing Association provide
accommodation for older people in Barrow and Dalton. Web site
address
www.anchor.org.uk/.
Commercial Properties
The Housing Service manages 24 shops throughout the
Borough. They are let on leases and from time to time are
advertised privately for sale.
For general information or advice contact th Housing Department
on 01229 876523.
Other Housing Contacts
Please see below a list of organisations that may be able to
provide useful information regarding your housing
situation.
Citizens' Advice Bureau - Ramsden Hall, Abbey
Road, Barrow (01229) 830367
Shelter - 226 Dalton Road, Barrow
in Furness, Cumbria LA14 1PN Tel: 0344 515 1945 or
email: cumbria@shelter.org.uk
Connexions - 237 Dalton Road,
Barrow (01229) 824052
Homeless Shelter - 821134
Project John - 832127
Silverdale Street - 431850
Passport Scheme - 615330
Housing Benefit (Liberata) - 404242
Private Rented Accommodation For
details of landlords offering private rented accommodation in the
area, please
link to Private Landlords Accommodation List.
Looking for Privately Rented Accommodation, but cannot afford a
deposit?
The Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DiGS) has been set up to help
people in need move into secure privately rented
accommodation. DiGS can provide a deposit guarantee in the
form of a written bond to cover the deposit required by a landlord
for damage or theft. Click here for further information
Deposit
Guarantee Scheme Barrow
The Mortgage Rescue Scheme
The
Mortgage Rescue scheme is a government scheme, which is run by
local housing authorities. The Mortgage Rescue Scheme may
help if you are having serious difficulties making your mortgage
repayments and are in danger of becoming homeless if
repossessed. If you are eligible, you could get
financial help to stay in your home. For further information
and to find out if you are eligible for financial help,
please contact our Advice Officers on (01229) 876332 or
876489.
Other useful telephone contacts:
Alcoholics Anonymous : 08457 697
555
Barrow Borough Council Housing Emergency Number
: 01229 833311
CADAS (Cumbria Alcohol & Drugs Advisory
Service : 01228 544140
Carr-Gomm : 01618 778 847
Childline : 0800 11 11
Furness Multicultural Community Forum : 01229
877399 (15-17 The Mall, Duke Street, Barrow)
Immigration Advisory Service : 02073
789 191
Lesbian & Gay Switchboard : 020 837
7324
Racial Equality : 02079 390 000
Electric Supply Helpline : 08707 510 093
Gas Supply Helpline : 08706 081 524
Money & Debt Advice : 08088 084 000
Stonham Supported Housing : 01229 431366