Council to offer cash to tenants to downsize

Tenants living in large council homes are set to be offered money to move to smaller ones so bigger properties can be offered to families.

Southampton City Council said it was bringing in a new downsizing scheme because families are facing long waits for three and four-bedroom properties.

Tenants who opt to downsize to a smaller home can get £1,000 for the first spare bedroom, £500 for each additional one and up to £750 to help with moving costs.

The council said deciding to move to a smaller home was "completely voluntary with no resident being pressured to downsize". The council's cabinet is set to approve the policy on Tuesday.

Councillor Andy Frampton, cabinet member for housing, said: "This policy is about giving tenants choice.

"We know that there is a shortage of larger council homes in the city with long waiting lists.

"The downsizing policy will support residents who decide that they want to move to a smaller property. Doing so will allow another family to receive the security of a good home that suits their needs."

Tenants who are interested will need to join the council's housing register - Homesearch and apply to downsize.

The council said it was set to appoint a dedicated officer who will support tenants with the practicalities of moving.