- Richmond Council pursue battle against illegal moorings
- New Dog Control Order to be introduced
- Your Life Expo
- Packed Hall To Discuss Cows
- Bank holiday refuse collections a day later
- Go local for the Jubilee
- The Olympic countdown continues
- Clamping down on irresponsible dog walkers
- 600 residents have their say about highway and pavement repairs
- Financial choice and control with new prepaid card
- Seeking local community interest in green space
- Mayor commits more money to Twickenham Station
- Cabinet Agrees New Catholic Secondary School
- Visit Richmond Reaches Far And Wide
- Food Businesses Commit To Healthier Takeaways
- Get paid to downsize
- Poll rejects new youth centre for Twickenham
- Caring for your health
- Jubilee party deadline extended
- Senior residents encouraged to be on the lookout for fraudsters
- Successful RISE event
- Save Barn Elms campaign one step closer
- Richmond upon Thames flies the flag high
- Greek mythology gets modern in Twickenham
- Council takes measures to tackle toxic caterpillars
Release Date: 23/05/2012
Get paid to downsize
Social Housing residents in Richmond upon Thames interested in downsizing after their children leave home are set to benefit as funding of £150,000 is to be agreed for the Sponsored Moves Programme, at the Council’s Cabinet meeting on 24 May 2012.
The housing scheme, which was pioneered by Richmond Council, offers affordable housing residents who no longer require a family sized home the opportunity to move into a smaller home, with an added cash incentive per room. Over 200 family sized homes have been made available through this programme.
Cllr Nicola Urquhart, Cabinet Member for Adults Services, Health and Housing said:
“Through the Sponsored Moves programme, we can free up family sized homes in the borough for those who really need the extra space and assist those who are ready to move into smaller homes, with the chance to do so. Once children leave home, or as people get older, the need for a four bedroom family house may not be as great. With Sponsored Moves, tenants will receive up to £2,500 per bedroom and up to a maximum of £7,500, when they move. Additional benefits include the service of a professional removal company and redecoration of the property they are moving into, so it really is win win.
We are always on the look out for ways to make the most of the affordable housing we have in the borough as the demand is high, especially for family homes. Sponsored Moves helps free up homes for families and prevents overcrowding in smaller residences, which would be better suited for couples or smaller families.”
Tenants receive up to £2,500 per bedroom when they move, for example if a tenant moves from a three bedroom house; to a 1 bedroom house they will receive £5,000 plus assistance with the move.
The £150,000 is made up of existing money from last year’s budget and £41,000 in new grant money.
View the full press release