When you’ve lived in your home for a long time, the thought of moving can be daunting. You may not know where to start with packing up your belongings and preparing your finances for the move.
If you’re thinking about downsizing and worried about the practicalities, there are lots of ways we can help.
We can support with removal costs, as well as clearing any arrears that may have built up as a result of the bedroom tax – the charge for under-occupying homes. We’ll work closely with you to ensure your property is in good condition and help you prepare for your move.
If you live in BANES, the first step is to contact the Homesearch team at Bath & North East Somerset Council and they will award you Band A priority on the housing register. This is awarded to customers who are giving up at least one room to downsize and currently live in a home with three or more bedrooms. It will make it easier for you to move, making your home available to a family looking for a larger home.
If you’d like to move to a smaller home but have any concerns about the process, please contact our friendly and experienced Customer Accounts team, who’ll be able to talk you through your options. Either phone 01225 366000 and ask to speak to your account manager or email customeraccountshelp@curo-group.co.uk.
If you want to discuss with Homesearch directly then call 01225 396118 or email homesearch@bathnes.gov.uk.
Case study: "I’ve found my perfect home"
Curo resident Wendy describes how our Passport to Housing service helped her to take back control of her finances and find a home that better suited her needs.
I was living in a three-bedroom house in Bath with my son and daughter, but when my son moved out I was left affected by the bedroom tax.
I became ill and was off work on long-term sick receiving Statutory Sick Pay. This caused me real financial difficultly as I’ve always worked and always managed my outgoings. I’ve never had to claim benefits before and wasn’t aware I’d be entitled to anything, so for a long time I continued to struggle and fell behind with my bills.
I buried my head in the sand, feeling very low and depressed. I didn’t know where to turn. Finally I made contact with Curo and was reassured immediately. My Account Manager, Debbie, came to my home and talked to me about my options. She recommended Curo’s Passport to Housing scheme as I’d decided to downsize my home.
I assumed I wouldn’t be entitled to any financial help and that my health wasn’t that bad – I was in denial. I was shocked to be invited for an assessment for sickness benefit and told I’d receive an enhanced rate. The benefit was also backdated and the money helped me pay people I owed and pay my rent and other bills.
I started bidding and was shortlisted for a new-build property. I was over the moon! The day of the move was one of the best of my life. My life has turned around. I’m no longer under any pressure to pay my bills, my health has improved and I’m no longer a prisoner in my own home.
I would recommend Passport to Housing to anyone looking to move home. The help and support you get is fantastic. Debbie treated me as a human being, didn’t judge me and went over and above to provide the support I needed.