If you’re looking for the home, instead of the partner, of your dreams this Valentine’s Day then a social housing ‘speed dating’ event might be just the trick.
Moreover, if you’re tired of the one you’ve got, Salford Council are offering social housing tenants the change to swap their home
The council hit on the idea of setting up home swap ‘speed dating’ sessions to help tenants beat the bedroom tax or move for work or family reasons.
Councillor Peter Connor, assistant mayor for adult services, said: “We have over 1,200 tenants on the mutual exchange register already, so there are plenty of people wanting to swap homes. It’s a quicker way of finding a property rather than waiting for the right home in the right place to become vacant.
“We will have staff from various local landlords and the council at the sessions to explain the process and check the local and national registers for any matches. We will put tenants in touch and it’s then up to them if they decide to go ahead.”
The matchmaking idea – where tenants who want to downsize, resize or move to a different area are able to meet others in the same situation – helped twice as many people swap last year compared to the year before.
The idea has proved so successful that it is being touted as an option to help solves housing issues in France. A documentary on key social issues mentions Salford’s innovative approach on ‘le speed dating’.
Councillor Connor said: “It was a real compliment to be asked – and we’re always happy to share good practice.”
The two sessions will be held on February 20 at Walkden Gateway Centre, Smith Street, Walkden and March 6 at Pendleton Gateway in Broadwalk, Pendleton. Both sessions are free and run from 10am to 3pm.
Anyone interested in house swapping can register online at www.salfordhomesearch.co.uk or ring the national helpline on 0845 234 5696.
Picture courtesy of Lydia, with thanks.
