TENANTS of registered social landlords who want to move to a smaller property are being offered a cash incentive of up to £3,000 by West Devon Borough Council to free up family homes. The Tenant Incentive Scheme is helping older people who live in homes larger than they need to move to smaller sheltered accommodation. So far the scheme has helped eight families move into a larger property as older tenants have moved to homes more suitable for them. Many older people are reluctant to move home, as it can be difficult, stressful and costly. The cash incentive is in recognition of such a move and the council has a support package to help those who need it. Tavistock Area Support Services or Age Concern Okehampton and Torridge can give tenants a helping hand with their move, from sorting and packing, arranging disconnections and reconnections and even measuring up a new home. Affordable family homes are in much demand in West Devon and there are not enough to meet the increasing needs. The incentive scheme is available to West Devon tenants of a Registered Social Landlord, who live in a home of at least two bedrooms classed as family accommodation. The landlord must make the home the tenant moves from available to the council for a homeless family. Cllr Diana Moyse, chairman of the council?s future planning and housing committee, said that the incentive scheme means that tenants can afford to make the move to more suitable premises. She said: ?With the added benefit of lower bills for heating and rent it can make a huge difference to the tenant and we would welcome more people taking up the opportunity to enable us to provide more homes for young families. ?The council is pleased to initiate a scheme involving our local caring agencies, to make this process as smooth and stress free as possible.? For further information about the scheme, contact the council on 01822 813600 and speak to a housing adviser.
