Barnet Homes urges tenants “listen to our advice”
The demand for affordable homes in Barnet is much greater than the number of properties available. This is why Barnet Homes uses the Council’s Housing Allocations Scheme to ensure that people with the greatest housing need are given help first.
Using the Housing Allocations Scheme, Barnet Homes has rehoused all households from Sweets Way who were evicted in February to whom it has a housing duty and has also assisted those who were private tenants. Recent conversations with individuals originally from Sweets Way are demonstrating that people aren’t always as clear as they should be about their options and the housing process..
At every stage of the allocations process Barnet Homes advises tenants of the Council’s ‘one offer’ policy which reflects the shortage of supply in Barnet. Tenants are made only one offer of suitable alternative accommodation that meets their needs, and if they refuse this offer they will be excluded from the Housing Allocations Scheme for 2 years. Tenants have the right to appeal this decision.
Troy Henshall, Chief Executive of Barnet Homes, says: “It is very important that tenants listen to the advice of our Housing Options advisors, rather than other well-intentioned advice or hearsay. A lot of the distress and uncertainty we are currently supporting individuals through stems directly from their misunderstanding of the Council’s ‘one offer’ policy. We’re here to help residents understand, whilst being realistic, exactly what their housing options are.”