February 2007 sees the launch of a new initiative that will change the way homes are allocated across the district. Homesearch, a new lettings service from Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) and WMDC, is designed to give people more say in where they want to live.

Anyone wanting to use the service must join before they can start applying for properties. Those already on the current waiting list will be automatically transferred onto the new system and sent details.

Once a member of Homesearch, searching for properties is simple and easy. Every week WDH will advertise all its available properties on www.wdhomesearch.co.uk, in the local press, at its Service Access Points and other local outlets.

As soon as a property is advertised people have a week to express an interest for it and can do so through the following:

· On the Homesearch website at www.wdhomesearch.co.uk

· At a Service Access Point,

· By phone on 0844 9 020202

· By automated phone service on 0844 448 7224

· By SMS text messaging on 07786202787

· Through Digital TV.

Members can express an interest in up to three properties per week.

When joining the scheme WDH will place members into specific groups (known as bands) based on their housing need, which is one of the considerations to determine which properties they can express an interest in.

People with rent arrears, who owe debts to WDH or are subject to enforcement action in their current home may not be able to take advantage of the new scheme so it is important that tenants who want to live in a property of choice keep up to date with their rent and are good neighbours.

For further information contact: 0844 9 020202