SHROPSHIRE social landlords are giving tenants the chance to mix and match their homes in a bid to find the perfect fit for their needs and they will be in Ludlow next week.
Special 'Home Swap' events have been organised around the county to bring together residents who feel they might benefit from a change of property – perhaps to avoid unnecessary costs for empty bedrooms or to ease overcrowding in their current home.
In addition, experts from a variety of services will be on-hand at the events to provide advice on keeping their utility bills manageable.
Events have already been held in Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth, with the next one in Ludlow tomorrow (Tuesday March 11) at Ludlow Foyer.
They are being organised jointly by a group of the county's prominent social landlords, Meres and Mosses Housing Association, South Shropshire Housing Association (both part of Shropshire Housing Group), Severnside Housing and Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing.
Finding the correct size of house has become increasingly important following the introduction of welfare reforms which includes a ruling dubbed the 'bedroom tax', whereby tenants lose a percentage of their housing benefit if they live in a property that is not fully occupied.
“There can be many reasons why people could benefit from a move, particularly if their circumstances change and they need more or less space or a geographic change,” said Helen Corfield, neighbourhood services manager at the Shropshire Housing Group.
“We're providing a forum to help our tenants while also enabling us to use our housing stock more efficiently.
“The options available for tenants to move expand greatly when social landlords work together, which is why this initiative with our partners is such a positive thing, giving everyone more choice.”
The Ludlow event next Tuesday will run from 2pm to 6pm and is open to residents of all four housing associations.