Fylde Coast social landlords join forces

Three councils and six housing organisations have joined together to create a simpler application system for social housing in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.

Previously separate applications had to be made to each organisation. But now people seeking a new home in the area will be able to fill in one application form to register their interest.

Blackpool, Fylde Borough and Wyre Councils, Blackpool Coastal Housing, New Fylde Housing, Regenda Group, Great Places, Places for People and the Muir Group have created the new My Home Choice Fylde Coast scheme which launched on Tuesday.

Applicants on existing waiting lists are being contacted to ask them to re-register on the new housing list before 18 May 2012, if they still want to apply for a property and be included in the first bid cycle which starts on 6 June. Help will be available to enable applicants to re-register.

Andy Foot, chairman of the choice-based letting project board and Fylde Coast housing strategy manager, said: "My Home Choice Fylde Coast provides, for the first time, a single place where you can find affordable homes from all of the major providers in the Fylde Coast. It makes it easier to apply and you only need to apply once."

Available properties will be advertised each week through the new scheme. Property details will be available both online and through each organisation's local offices. Applicants interested in a particular property can express an interest, known as a bid, online, by telephone, email or by calling into one of the organisations' housing offices.