Would you like to receive a substantial cash payment for moving to a smaller home if your current property is too large for you?
The Downsize for Cash Scheme helps Dartford Borough Council tenants who are under-occupying their property, to move to a smaller home if they wish to. This in turn helps us by being able to offer the released property to a family that needs it most.
We have carried out a review of our Downsize for Cash Scheme and have increased the payments available to tenants who wish to downsize to a smaller property.
You may now be eligible to receive up to £5,700 for moving to a smaller home. Please see below for more details.
Who is eligible to apply:
- You must be a secure tenant of Dartford Borough Council
- You must be under occupying by a minimum of one or more bedrooms
- You do not have any housing related debt or Council Tax arrears (some exceptions apply)
- You agree to provide vacant possession of your present home
What the Dartford scheme offers:
If you qualify for the scheme, the benefits are:
- A payment of £1,000 for each bedroom you release
- A payment of £500 for each parlour room released
- An additional £500 for those releasing 3 and 4 bedroom properties
- An additional £1,000 for those transferring to a 1 bedroom housing scheme property
- An additional £200 to help towards preparing for the move
- Payment towards your removal and packing expenses up to a maximum of £1,000. Please note that if your removal costs are less than £1,000 we will only pay the total amount that you have paid to the removals company, or for van hire, if you decide to move yourself. Valid receipts must be produced in all cases.
The table below shows how the Downsize for Cash payment is worked out:
| Property currently occupied | Property moving to | Bedrooms released | Payment for the bedrooms released | Plus additional £1,000 payment for a transfer to 1 bedroom Housing Scheme accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 bed parlour* | 1 bed | 1 + parlour | £1,500 | £2,500 |
| 2 bed | 1 bed | 1 | £1,000 | £2,000 |
| 3 bed parlour* | 2 bed | 1 + parlour | £2,000 | 0 |
| 3 bed | 2 bed | 1 | £1,500 | 0 |
| 3 bed | 1 bed | 2 | £2,500 | £3,500 |
| 4 bed parlour* | 3 bed | 1 + parlour | £2,000 | 0 |
| 4 bed | 3 bed | 1 | £1,500 | 0 |
| 4 bed | 2 bed | 2 | £2,500 | 0 |
| 4 bed | 1 bed | 3 | £3,500 | £4,500 |
* Please note that the decision on whether the room is a parlour (separate room that could be used as a bedroom) will be confirmed by the officer who comes to inspect the property during the moving process.
Example - If you are a tenant releasing a four bedroom property and transferring to a one bedroom housing scheme property, you will be eligible for £4,500 as a cash incentive, plus up to £1,000 moving costs and £200 towards costs to help with preparing to move, giving a total of up to £5,700.
How do I apply for the Downsize for Cash Scheme:
You will firstly need to register online at www.kenthomechoice.org.uk. Once you are registered please call 01322 343907 to speak to an officer regarding making an application, or contact the Housing Allocations Team Online.
Where can I move to:
- A suitably sized property advertised on Kent Homechoice, that meets your current housing needs
- A one bedroom housing scheme unit for people aged over 55
- A suitably sized property through a nomination to a housing association or a private rented property
- A suitably sized property in a different borough or district
How does a suitable property become available and allocated to me:
You can find and bid for a property through Kent Homechoice, the Kent-wide choice-based lettings scheme and you will be placed in priority band A. Please visit www.kenthomechoice.org.uk or contact the Housing Allocations Team Online for information on how to apply. You can also speak to your Housing Officer.
How will I get paid:
Payment is either made by BACS payment directly into your bank account. It is therefore essential that you have a bank or building society account.
When is the payment made:
The payment is made after you have moved into your new home and returned the keys from the previous property. Although no exact timescale can be guaranteed, payment will normally be made within four weeks of the move taking place.
Paying for Removals:
There are two options available to you:
Option 1
You can contact any removals company that you wish and make your own arrangements with them. In this case, you will need to supply us with two independent quotes. Once we have received the quotes we will instruct the least expensive removals company to carry out your removals up to a maximum of £1,000.
Removals can include packing but the total costs must not exceed £1,000.
Please note that if the least expensive quote is in excess of £1,000, or if the actual costs exceed £1,000, regardless of the circumstances, it will be your responsibility to pay the balance.
Option 2
You can carry out the removals yourself and send a claim for the cost of van hire to us. These costs must be backed up by valid receipts and must not exceed £1,000. Once the costs are agreed and verified by us, the Council will pay these costs into your designated bank account as soon as possible.
Is there any extra help with moving available:
The Council recognises that some people, for example older people or those with a disability may need some additional help with moving, for example by offering advice or practical help or removing carpets. If you think you need additional help, please let us know when you apply and we will let you know if we are able to help.
What if I need to dispose of unwanted furniture or 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.
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). For example, this includes sofas, beds, wardrobes, tables, chairs, carpets, televisions, fridges, freezers and washing machines. There is currently a charge of £37 for up to 10 items, with extra items charged at £2 per item (maximum 4 extra items). For more information on this service, please visit the bulky household collection page.
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.
If you need further information:
If you need further information please speak to your Housing Officer or call a member of the Housing Allocations Team on 01322 343907, or contact the Housing Allocations Team Online.