DOWNSIZE FOR CASH SCHEME
Our circumstances often change when we go through life. Some people find themselves living in homes that are larger than they want or need. Perhaps their children have left home and they find that their running costs, such as gas and electricity, are getting expensive. Is this you?
The Downsize for Cash Scheme helps Dartford Borough Council tenants living in homes with two or more bedrooms, who are under-occupying their property, to move to a smaller home. This not only benefits the individual Council tenants involved but also has the added value of freeing up family-sized accommodation, some of which is in very short supply, which can then be offered to those that need it most.
What’s in it for me?
If you qualify for the scheme, we will do our best to ensure that you are given a high priority to move to an area of your choice within Dartford. We also offer the following benefits:
- A payment of £500 for each bedroom you release
- An additional £100 to help towards your moving costs
- We can also pay for your removal and packing expenses if required up to a maximum of £400
The table below shows how the payment rules work. (This does not include any additional payment made towards removals and packing).
| Property currently occupied | Property moving to | Bedrooms released | Payment for the released bedroom(s) | Plus £100 to help with moving costs | Total payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 bed |
1 bed |
1 |
£500 |
£100 |
£600 |
2 bed parlour* |
1 bed |
1 + parlour |
£1,000 |
£100 |
£1,100 |
3 bed |
1 bed |
2 |
£1,000 |
£100 |
£1,100 |
3 bed parlour* |
1 bed |
2 + parlour |
£1,500 |
£100 |
£1,600 |
4 bed |
1 bed |
3 |
£1,500 |
£100 |
£1,600 |
4 bed parlour* |
1 bed |
3 + parlour |
£2,000 |
£100 |
£2,100 |
* Please note that the decision on whether the room is a parlour will be confirmed by the officer who comes to inspect the property during the moving process.
Who is eligible?
- You must be a secure tenant of Dartford Borough Council
- You must be a single person or a couple living in a two, three or four bedroom property, suitable for re-letting to a family. This includes houses, flats and maisonettes.
Where can I move to?
- A one bedroom flat or bungalow
- A supported housing unit for the elderly
- A one bedroom property through a nomination to a registered social landlord (commonly known as a housing association).
How will I get paid?
Payment is made through a cheque payable into your chosen bank. It is therefore essential that you have a bank account.
When is the payment made?
The payment is made after you have moved into your new home. Although no exact timescale can be guaranteed, payment will normally be made within two weeks of the move taking place.
How do I arrange for my removals and packing costs to be paid by you?
Payment of removals and packing will be included in your overall payment up to a maximum of £400. To process this payment, we do ask that you supply us with a copy of your invoice as soon as possible.
Do you have a list of local removals firms that I can contact?
Yes, we do have a list of local removal firms that we can give you but we do not have any responsibility for any arrangements you make with these firms.
What if I need to dispose of unwanted furniture of household appliances?
We understand that downsizing to a smaller home could mean that you may have to dispose of some unwanted furniture. If the furniture is of good quality, there are local charitable organisations that can collect it for free and recycle it to others in need.
If this is something that you would be interested in, you can contact Respond Furniture Collection on 0208 316 1099.
Alternatively, the Council can arrange for a Contractor to collect and dispose of bulky household waste such as furniture and large appliances (available only for Dartford residents). There is a charge of £25 including V.A.T. for the first 15 minutes, and £15 including V.A.T. for subsequent 15 minute periods. For more information on this service, contact the Environmental Contracts Department on 01322 343290.
What if I need help with removing carpets from my old home?
Although it is not part of the Downsize for Cash scheme rules, if you are having difficulty removing your carpets, contact us and we may be able to help.
What if the new property requires decoration?
If you are moving to another Dartford Borough Council property, the property could qualify for decoration vouchers, which can be spent on buying materials to decorate your new home. However, this will depend upon the condition of the property you are moving to.
If the property does qualify for decoration vouchers, details of these and where you can spend them will be given to you when you move.
How do I apply for the Downsize for Cash Scheme?
To find out more about the Downsize for Cash Scheme or to apply, call the Housing Options and Advice Department on 01322 343378.
If you are accepted under this scheme you will be made an offer of a suitable home whenever we have a suitable vacancy. Every effort will be made to match your preferences for your property type, size and areas as closely as possible.
For further information please contact:
Housing Options and Advice
Dartford Borough Council
Housing Services
Civic Centre
Home Garden
Dartford
Kent DA1 1DR
tel: 01322 343378
fax: 01322 343084
email: HousingOptions@dartford.gov.uk
