Easy Move is a scheme run by Leicester City Council that offers council and housing association tenants the chance to move into a smaller home, because the house that they live is too large for them, and may be difficult to maintain and heat, without the costs and worries usually associated with a house move.

Tenants who join the Easy Move scheme:

• can save money: move from a 5-bedroom house to a 1 bed-room flat and save approximately £2,700 a year;
• get help towards the cost of redecorating and furnishing, up to £1,000;
• will be added to the Housing Register – help will be offered to complete the Housing Application form;
  
• will receive extra housing register points;
• benefit from a free removals service;
• get help disconnecting and reconnecting washing machines, cookers etc and telephones;
• benefit from the help of a dedicated support worker, to assist through the whole process;
• choose the area they would like to live in;
• have the chance to view possible homes before deciding to move;

Additionally, tenants who currently live in a house with four or more bedrooms can choose to move to a one, two or three bedroom home.

	Typical 5 bedroom semi-detached house (Band C)	Typical 3 bedroom semi-detached house (Band B)	Typical 1 bedroom flat (Band A)
Council Tax	£1176.86 (£22.63)	£1029.75 (£19.80)	£882.65 (£19.97)
Council Rent (based on 50 weekly payments)	£3847.50 (£76.95)	£3180.00 (£63.60)	£2370.00 (£47.40)
Gas*	£984.00 (£18.92)	£763.00 (£14.67)	£429.00 (£8.25)
Electric*	£928.00 (£17.85)	£776.00 (£14.92)	£537.00 (10.33)
Total	£6936.36 (£136.35)	£5748.75 (£112.99)	£4218.65 (£85.95)

For further information about Easy Move or to join the scheme telephone 0116 252 7007 or email propertylettingsteam@leicester.gov.uk

Incentives through the Easy Move scheme are subject to funding and may be withdrawn at any time.




* source: www.whatprice.co.uk 23rd October 2008.