What is the incentive to move scheme?
This is a Tamworth Borough Council scheme which helps existing tenants wishing to move who are under-occupying a property or, are living in an adapted property and who do not now need the adaptation. The incentive to move scheme is sometimes abbreviated to ITMS and is also referred to as ‘downsizing’.
A financial incentive to move is available.
• A maximum of £2,000 per move is available if they are giving up a 4 or 5 bedroom property.
• A maximum of £1,000 per move is available if they are giving up a 3 or 2 bedroom property or an adapted property.
Support up to the value of £500 is available to be used for removal expenses in addition to the payments per move.
Once accepted under the Incentive to Move, you will be placed in band 1 on the council’s housing register where you will be able to bid on properties via our Finding a Home site.
Who can apply?
The scheme is targeted at three existing groups of tenants:
- Those occupying a four or five bedroom property who would like to move to a one or two bedroom property
- Those occupying a three bedroom property who would like to move to a one bedroom property
- Those occupying an adapted property and who now do not need the adaptation.
In the case of the last group, we will work with you individually to identify the most appropriate size and type of property.
Are there conditions or issues affecting tenants considering the scheme?
Yes.
If you do not have a clear rent account or have other debts owed to the council, you will have the financial incentive payment reduced to clear any sums owed.
We will arrange an inspection at your current property and if there are any outstanding issues over its condition, the financial incentive payment will be reduced to cover the cost of any work that is required.
If you decide to move again within three years, we may request that you pay back part of the financial incentive sum.
You also need to be aware that there is a high demand for the size, type, and location of properties that you may be interested in bidding for. There are, for example, very few bungalows that become available. The types of properties that are more likely to be advertised are flats and sheltered accommodation.
View our Incentive to Move policy on this page.
How do I apply?
We recommend that you seek initial informal advice and help if you are considering the incentive to move scheme. Our team can discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of using the scheme. Please contact the Void and Allocations team on 01827 709520.
Once you have decided that the scheme meets your needs, you need to fill in an Incentive to Move application form including providing, if required, supporting documentation. Please make sure that this is completed fully, otherwise there will be a delay in the process.
You will also be required to have an active housing register application in order for the incentive to move banding to be applied against if successful. Please complete a housing register application form via MyHousing. Further details of how to apply for council housing can be found on our website.
We will consider your application and let you know if it has been approved. We aim to do this within 14 days. We will also advise you if there are any outstanding issues over debts and property condition (see above).
Once it is approved, we will give you band one status on the housing register (see above). You can then bid for properties via our Finding a Home website. Will contact you each week to check whether you need any advice and support on bidding for suitable properties.
When you are successful with a bid for a property, you need to make sure that you are ready to move as soon as possible and within the timeline that we set.