The government today launched it promised national home swap scheme ‘HomeSwap Direct’.
Four internet-based providers of mutual exchange services have signed up to a
membership agreement drawn up by the government, in which they agreed to share
information about properties whose tenants are seeking an exchange. New service
providers will be able to apply to join the scheme if they offer reciprocal
matche.
In the new TSA standards, social landlords will be required to subscribe to a provider who is part of this new national scheme from April 2012 .
The scheme will cover the whole of the UK.
In addition, up to £1 million will be provided to 12 local authority-led mobility demonstration projects who will be testing innovative and cost-effective ways of supporting mobility.
Projects include exploring the savings to landlords of tenants moving through mutual exchange rather than a transfer; exploring whether greater mobility can reduce health and social care costs; and investigating the types of support – such as helplines, or dedicated staff – which can best help tenants through the process of moving.