Is there any truth to this?

sally78

hiya

I've been searching for days but I cant seem to find any info on this so im just going to presume its not factual for now.

Is it true that if you move out of a council house, and declare you will never return or apply for another council house, that you would be awarded a cash bonus of some sort?


thanks!

steve1980

Errrrrrrr no!

USM

Haha this is one of the most brilliant posts I've read this week.

Bit early for April 1st

betmunch

Not a chance, however, it can happen a different way.

I'm not sure how exactly, but I had a client a while ago who was offered the equivalent of their right to buy discount to use as a deposit on a privately bought property. He had to declare he would never go back to the council for housing again as part of the deal.

You dont get to volenteer for it as your OP seems to be asking, but there is definately something out there which would give rise to rumours that would make people think along your lines.

tanith

Some councils will give a cash amount/moving expenses to move into a smaller council property thus freeing up larger properties for families , this is usually an older tenant in a too big house.

betmunch

Heres the sort of thing you are talking about:

http://www.westlancsdc.gov.uk/housing/council_tenant_information/cash_to_leave_scheme.aspx

sally78

betmunch wrote: »

Not a chance, however, it can happen a different way.

I'm not sure how exactly, but I had a client a while ago who was offered the equivalent of their right to buy discount to use as a deposit on a privately bought property. He had to declare he would never go back to the council for housing again as part of the deal.

You dont get to volenteer for it as your OP seems to be asking, but there is definately something out there which would give rise to rumours that would make people think along your lines.

I see. Would you have to be buying a house, or would renting privately be enough? Also, in what circumstances will the council "aid" you in moving out? (seen as you can't volenteer for the aid/bonus what ever its called.)

thanks!

carefullycautious

Something similar was offered many years ago with my local authority but the uptake was zilch.

When people realised how expensive it was to buy there own property they realised they were better off renting.

Dont think it was anywhere near 20,000 though.

sally78

betmunch wrote: »

Heres the sort of thing you are talking about:

Thanks! I see it only mentions "buying" a property. I guess you won't be awarded anything for renting privately from now on then?

cattie

Some councils do offer cash incentives to buy a property & free up a council home suitable for a family. The amount they offer varies, but if I remember from a friend of mine when she qualified, the amount she was given was a third of the cost of her new home. Council stipulated the maximum amount she could buy for. The money wasn't actually given to her, but made available to the solicitor handling the purchase on her behalf.

I heard recently that many councils are now offering such schemes again to free up council homes, so contact your local authority to see if they are running such a scheme.