Council offers cash to free up rented family homes

A major council is offering financial support to social renters who want to move into a smaller, easier to manage home, as pressure on larger family housing continues to build.

The scheme is aimed at tenants living in council or housing association properties that have more bedrooms than they now need, or which have become difficult to maintain with age.

By encouraging a move to a more suitable property, Manchester City Council hopes to reduce living costs for tenants while releasing larger homes for families stuck on long waiting lists.

The council says ‘rightsizing’ can cut energy bills, reduce rent and make day to day upkeep simpler.

Move to a smaller home

The council’s executive member for housing and development, Coun Gavin White, said: “Rightsizing could be a brilliant option for older people who are renting a council home who may have spare rooms they don’t need or would benefit from looking after a smaller property.

“Often a barrier to moving is the cost, but the Council will take care of the financial burden to help a resident move into a new home.”

He added: “The benefit for the city is that we can free up more larger homes for people who are waiting for a property that properly meets their needs.

“We think around a third of council tenants could be under occupying their home – which means they could be paying more than they need to or they could be hit with the bedroom tax.”

Demand for larger homes

Around 20,000 Manchester households are currently on the housing register, with demand for larger homes among the slowest to be met.

Officials estimate that roughly a third of social rented family properties may be underoccupied.

Figures from the past year show 109 households completed a move with help from a dedicated council team, using the Rightsizing Incentive Scheme to cover relocation expenses.

Interest is growing, with a further 432 households registering enquiries about the process.

Eligible residents can receive a £2,500 cash payment, which can be spent without restriction, alongside support with moving costs.

Remain close

Tenants can remain close to friends and relatives by staying within their neighbourhood, although moving to another part of Manchester is also an option.

The council stresses that the service is advisory rather than compulsory.

Residents can explore their options without committing to a move, and no one is required to leave their current home if they choose not to.