£1,000 for tenants to downsize

FAMILIES looking to downsize their home can take advantage of a new incentive scheme.

Working with First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) and a range of housing associations, Oldham Council is looking for people who want smaller, easier-to-run homes.

FCHO and the borough’s housing associations are prepared to offer a financial support package of up to £1,000 to council house or housing association tenants who want to downsize.

The money is to help with the move into a smaller property. As an alternative to financial support, housing providers can instead assign a dedicated support officer to help arrange the move.

The four-week notice period may also be waived for people wishing to move quickly.

The initiative has been launched to coincide with the release of homes refurbished by Housing 21 under the PFI2 Project, with a number of bungalows now completed.

These properties have been fully refurbished with new kitchens and bathrooms, have been redecorated throughout and fitted with new carpets, heating systems and boilers.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for regeneration and environment, said nobody would be forced to move, but he added: “There are many benefits to downsizing, not least the savings that people can make in terms of running costs.”

Householders living in a council or a housing association property who are interested in the scheme should call 0161-770 4766 for further information.