Edindex and Choice Change for the Better - 16 May 2008

Changes to Edinburgh's Common Housing Register, EdIndex mean that customers can now expect a much simpler and transparent service. Alongside this, an increase in the number of Registered Social Landlords using the Council's Choice Based Letting system means that 80% of social rented housing stock is now let through the Key to Choice scheme alone.

Following a successful pilot 12 of the 20 housing associations in Edindex are now letting their homes using Key to Choice; a choice based letting scheme which the Council has been using to let it's own houses since May 2003.

Furthermore, a harmonised system for assessing need has been established which is far less complex than the 20 different systems it replaces. This means customers now only have to answer a maximum of 49 questions when completing the EdIndex application form compared to 111 before the changes were introduced. This greatly simplifies the routes into social rented housing in the city and makes it easier to understand for both customers and staff.

Councillor Paul Edie, Housing Convener said, "EdIndex is now not only one of the largest and most successful Common Housing Registers in the UK, but also one of the most successful in terms of innovation and the strength of its partnerships.

"It is testament to the success of Key to Choice that so many RSLs are now choosing it to let their properties as well. While these changes make the routes by which people access affordable rented housing easier to use, the shortage of affordable housing in Edinburgh is still a major issue and we will continue to work in partnership with housing associations to increase the supply of housing for rent and low cost home ownership."

For more information visit: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/keytochoice or call 0131 529 5080. You can also pick up a Choice supplement at your Local Neighbourhood Office or see available homes online for free at your local library.

Media contact: Kelly Murph, tel:  0131 5297856, e.mail:  kelly.murphy@edinburgh.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

1. The City of Edinburgh Council Services for Communities department focuses on delivering better services to communities across the city, thereby improving everyone's quality of life.
2. Choice based lettings means that landlords operate in a similar way to estate agents by advertising available properties and inviting people submit notes of interest or'bids' for those that they are interested in. The Council have been using choice based lettings, or Key to Choice as it is called, for four years and during that time people have told us it simple to use and understand.
3. The number of customers using the Key to Choice website as the route into housing is very high with around 80% of 'bids' being received electronically. The Cabinet Office has commented favourably on this percentage, which is usually only found in student services.
4. A pilot project began last September which saw Link, Cairn, Viewpoint and Castlerock Edinvar Housing Associations using choice-based lettings. The results of the pilot were very positive: an increase in demand for all properties including those that had been difficult to let and a reduction in the number of long-term empty homes.