The way we let ourhomes is changing

FrequentlyAskedQuestions

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y o u r c h o i c e ,y o u r m o v e !

Our new policyOur new system for both general applicants (if youaren’t already on our waiting list or a New Chartertenant) and current New Charter tenants wanting totransfer, will be a three stage process:

First check you are eligible to join ourallocations scheme

Complete our application form and we willassess the right size home and place you inan Application Band according to yourhousing needs

Start bidding once you receive your NewCharter reference number and we will offera suitable home based on your waiting timein that Band

Applicants will be placed in Bands according to theircircumstances. Priority within Bands will be based onthe date people entered that Band.

For some of our available homes we will also offeradditional preference to people who candemonstrate a “Community Contribution”. Thesewill be clearly marked on our property adverts.

We will give people information on other housingoptions if they aren’t eligible to join our waiting list.

Here is a summary of Bands for generalapplicants:

The main change for New Charter tenants is that thenew allocations scheme will provide a separatepriority list to general applicants and a simplerapplication process if you need to move home withinNew Charter. You can find out more about thecriteria for each band on our website.

Here is a summary of Bands for current tenantswho want to transfer:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Community Contribution”?We know that the way we let our homes has thepotential to influence our neighbourhoods and we arekeen to support those who work, formally volunteeretc. We will award additional preference for some ofour available homes to applicants who are eligible forour Community Contribution criteria. Applicants inreceipt of carers’ allowance, foster carers, those inwork based training and some current and formermembers of H.M. Forces may also qualify forCommunity Contribution.

How can I check if I am eligible to joinNew Charter’s waiting list?If you are already registered with us as a generalapplicant or a transferring tenant and are activelytaking part in our CBL system we will write to youletting you know if you are eligible to remain on ourwaiting list. We may need some further informationto help us decide which Band you will be placed in.

If you are registered with us but haven’t placed anybids for 12 months or more, we will assume youdon’t need a home at this time and so won’t transferyour application to our new list. You are welcome tore-apply at a future date if you are eligible to do so.

I’m not already registered with NewCharter so how do I apply?You can find out if you are eligible to apply to NewCharter by checking our website, calling into one ofour Hubs or telephoning our Connect Team on0161 331 2000. You will need to answer a few simple

Band Housing Need

Gold Overcrowded by 2 or more bedroomsFormer armed services personnel

Silver Fitness and mental health needOvercrowded by 1 bedroomPrivate tenants or residents in unsuitable orinsecure accommodation (includesresidents in temporary / supportedhousing)Lodging with family, friends or privatearrangements

Bronze Tenants of another Registered Provider(RP) needing to move for caringarrangements (in receipt of carersallowance)People in tied accommodationUnder occupying tenant of social housingbelonging to another R P.

Band Housing Need

1 Tenants affected by the bedroom tax andthose releasing substantially adapted homes

2 Overcrowding/ under-occupation by 2 bedsFitness and mental health need

3 Overcrowding/ under-occupation by 1 bedChildren under 11 in high rise flatsNeed to move for employment

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questions to get an immediate answer on whetheryou are eligible or not. If you aren’t eligible we willgive you alternative options for housing which youmight like to consider.

If you are eligible you will be asked to complete theapplication form on our website.

What do I do if I don’t have a computeror can’t access the website?You are welcome to call into one of our Hubs (pleasesee the back of this leaflet for the addresses) wherestaff will be able to help you check if you are eligibleto join our waiting list. They can also help youcomplete an application.

Why can’t I have a paper applicationform?Paper application forms are very expensive toproduce and a lot are wasted when changes aremade. All applicants can visit one of our Hubs wherestaff will help to complete applications on ourwebsite, if you don’t have access to the internetelsewhere.

If you or someone you know is unable to visit ourHubs, we can check if you are eligible over thetelephone and arrange a home visit to complete anapplication form with you.

Please call 0161 331 2000 to make an eligibility checkand book a home visit.

What can I do if I want a bigger homethan you say I need?If you feel you would like a bigger home than weassess you need, then you may be able to look for asuitable private rented home that suits you, oranother Registered Provider may allow you to applyand under-occupy. We will only provide larger homesin exceptional circumstances, such as a need to adapta property that requires extra space.

How do the Bands work and which Bandwill I be put in?We have made our system easier to understand byhaving 3 clear Bands for our general applicants,named Gold, Silver and Bronze.

We have a separate Band system for our NewCharter tenants named One, Two and Three.

You will be placed in a Band depending on theinformation you provide to us on yourapplication form.

Do I still have to bid?We are not changing the way our CBL system works.The only difference you will see is that properties willshow a preference to different groups e.g. GeneralScheme bids with preference to CommunityContribution or Bids for Sheltered or 55+properties.

You can bid by calling our Connect Team on 0161 3312000 or on our website.

What happens if I don’t bid?If you are registered with us but don’t bid in a 12month period we won’t automatically renew yourapplication and you will have to re-apply at a timewhen you will be wanting to bid.

What happens if I bid on a property andthen change my mind?Please think carefully before you place a bid. If youhave placed a bid, but then decide that the propertyis not suitable, you may withdraw your bid whilst theadvert is still active. After the advert has closed, youmay contact us and ask that your bid is overlookedfor this property. It is important that you do let usknow, as refusing a reasonable offer will result inpenalties being applied to your application.You can find out more about this below.

What happens if I refuse an offer?Due to the growing number of customers refusingproperties they have bid on, please make sure thatthe property meets your needs before placing yourbid. We have had to take the decision to suspendapplicants from their 1st unreasonable refusal.The following will apply:

•1st refusal, suspended for 3 months

•2nd refusal, suspended for 6 months

•3rd refusal, application cancelled. No newapplication for a minimum of 12 months

Please see our handy postcard ‘Bidding onNew Charter Properties’, available on our website,for our rules and some helpful advice.

Will people who don’t fit the new rulesbe able to stay on the list?No. Customers will only be considered if they meetour criteria and have a realistic chance of beingoffered a tenancy.

People who are actively taking part in the currentscheme will be contacted and advised whether theyare eligible to join the new scheme. If not eligible,they will be given other housing options they maywant to consider.

I’m already registered and have been forsome time. What will happen?If your application qualifies to be included in the newscheme, we will be in touch with you to gather moreinformation to make sure your needs are assessedcorrectly.

The new scheme is based on the date you are placedin a Band. For applications transferring from theprevious scheme, this will be their original registrationdate. However, if you move Bands, the date that youenter the new Band will be used.

What about my medical points?We will no longer be operating a medical pointsscheme. The Band you are placed in with reflect anypoints you already have.

I don’t want to move at the moment, canI stay registered “just in case”?No. The new scheme is just for people who areactively seeking a New Charter home.You are welcome to re-apply when you are readyto move.

When do I need to provide evidence/supporting documents?As soon as possible after you apply.

We will not make any offers of homes, even if you aretop of the list, whilst there is outstanding informationthat you have been asked to provide. It is yourresponsibility to provide this.

How do I prove I have CommunityContribution?You will need to provide one or more of thefollowing:

•Proof of volunteering 25 hours+ per month

•Proof of working 16 hours+ per week

•In receipt of carer’s allowance

•Proof of work based training

•Proof of fostering

•H.M.Forces discharge paperwork

What if I don’t have a CommunityContribution, can I still be offered a NewCharter home?Yes, as Community Contribution preference will onlybe offered on some of our homes.

However we would like you to consider looking atwhat you can do to be eligible for CommunityContribution as it will mean you will get extra priorityon homes advertised with this preference.

Where can I get more information?More details will be available in our Hubs, on ourLooking Local pages (available through Sky Channel539 and Virgin Channel 233), through ourFacebook and Twitter pages, on our websitewww.newcharter.co.uk and also in theTameside Reporter.

New Charter HubsAshton: 2, Henrietta Street, Ashton, OL6 6EF

Denton: 9, Albert Street, Denton, M34 6ZA

Hyde: 12/14, Clarendon Street, Hyde, SK14 2EL

Stalybridge: 63/65, Grosvenor Street,Stalybridge, SK15 2JN

www.newcharter.co.uk

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@newchartergroup

Resource Housing Reg. No. 2111