Harrow's housing applications go online
A new way of applying for housing online starts on 19th September in Harrow and across the Locata West London partnership. Applying on the internet replaces the old paper housing application forms.
The web form is designed to be easy to use. Not only will it be a greener and cheaper way of registering a wish to move to social housing, but there will be less likelihood of mistakes and customers can expect a much faster decision about their application.
Portfolio Holder for Housing, Cllr Bob Currie said:
"So many residents need our support to find suitable housing in the borough; this new online form makes it easier for people to apply and will save money. Across West London we expect to save up to £1million per year. Most importantly it will free up staff to provide housing advice to our most vulnerable residents."
The new online form will be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The form has a direct link to the new Targeted Housing Options (THO) pages of the Locata website.
Applicants with no (or low) priority for social housing will have immediate access to a wealth of information that will help them find an appropriate housing solution, whether it is through doing a mutual exchange or getting their landlord to tackle their disrepair.
Already 98 percent of people in Harrow bidding for social housing do so online using the award-winning Locata website. Support will be in place to help the small percentage of new applicants who are unable to apply because they don't use computers and don't have a friend or relative who can help them.
