Chain’s positive reaction

A DOWNSIZING scheme which frees up social housing for families has been hailed a success and shortlisted for an award.

A total of 20 residents have moved between seven different houses in 12 weeks in the Oldham Council project — including a family-of-seven, a retired couple and a former homeless man.

Supply
The scheme, which aims to re-house people who live in homes too big for their needs, has now been shortlisted for a national award run by The Guardian newspaper.

Overcrowding is a problem in the borough with family-sized homes in short supply. The downsizing project was set up to tackle the issue.

Council officers worked alongside a number of housing associations across the borough to ensure the chain move was successful.

Councillor John McCann said: “The key to this successful chain has been the flexibility of the individuals — thanks to this the council and the housing associations involved have been able to meet their specific needs.

“The scheme is not about forcing people out of their homes but about encouraging and supporting people to downsize into houses that better meet their needs.

“Older people whose families have grown up and left home may find that they are paying large bills for family homes when a smaller property may be more convenient and cost them a lot less to maintain and run.”

Over 100 family homes have been freed up over the last 18 months as part of the scheme. Families can receive up to £500 towards moving costs and the scheme arranges all removals and transfer of bills.

The ambitious chain-let saw Heron Miah, who was homeless, move into a one-bed flat in Rochdale Road. It had been occupied by Makmuda and Sirajul Begum and their six-week old baby Samira, who moved to a two-bed house in Trafalgar Street.

Amir Uddin, wife Shuhena and their three children moved from that to a three-bed house in Mitchell Street.

Mr Uddin said: “We’re 100 per cent happy with the house. It is still close to the mosque, shopping centre and family and friends.”

Firuz Miah and Shibli Khanom and their five children moved from the Mitchell Street house to a five-bed house in Ridings Way.

Shawna and Mike Salinger moved from that to a three-bed house in Littlemoor Lane. The couple have seven children, but only one still living at home.

Joseph and Margaret Scanlan, who have two grown-up children, moved from that property to a previously empty bungalow in Bleasdale Street.

To find out more about the scheme,visit www.oldham.gov.uk/housing/downsize_your_home or call First Choice Homes Oldham on 0161-770 4766.