Homechoice

KentHomechoicewww.kenthomechoice.org.uk Issue 12February 2013Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Gravesham, Maidstone, Medway,Sevenoaks, Shepway, Swale, Thanet, Tonbridge and Malling, Tunbridge WellsUser Guideyour home, your choice

ContentsPAGE 2Equal and fair accessto Kent HomechoicePAGE 3Welcome to the KentHomechoice user guidePAGE 4-5How Kent Homechoice worksPAGE 6Assessing your housing needPAGE 7-8Contact detailsPAGE 9-10Housing association partnersPAGE 11-19Information outletsPAGE 20Bidding on the InternetPAGE 21Bidding by digital TVPAGE 22Bidding by telephonePAGE 23Bidding by text messagePAGE 24Bidding by couponPAGE 25AdvertsPAGE 26FeedbackPAGE 27Your housing optionsWe can makeinformation available:In large printOn audioIn different languagesIf you have any other requirements, please contact thecouncil for the area that you are registered in.llllllllllllllLook on thewebsitewww.ashford.gov.ukwww.canterbury.gov.ukwww.dartford.gov.ukwww.dover.gov.ukwww.gravesham.gov.ukwww.kenthomechoice.org.ukwww.maidstone.gov.ukwww.medway.gov.ukwww.sevenoaks.gov.ukwww.shepway.gov.ukwww.swale.gov.ukwww.thanet.gov.ukwww.tmbc.gov.ukwww.tunbridgewells.gov.ukThe Scheme User Guide is a publication of Locata HousingServices Ltd. Editorials, photos and illustrations can only bepublished by permission of the publisher (all rights reserved).Publisher: Locata Housing Services LtdEditor: Diana MartinPOWERED BY

Welcome to the KentHomechoice user guideKent Homechoice is the choice based lettings scheme for allcouncil and housing association homes in Kent.Kent Homechoice gives you more choice about where you want to live.You will now have the chance to express an interest in vacant homesthat are suitable for you.Every fortnight Kent Homechoice will advertise all empty council andhousing association homes that are available to let. Properties will beadvertised on the internet, digital television and personalised freesheets.You can look at the adverts and bid for any homes you wish to beconsidered for. This guide provides a summary of who can bid andhow to bid. You will need to be registered for housing with the councilwhere the empty home is located.Councils and housing associations in Kent Homechoice will generallyonly let empty properties to people who have made an expression ofinterest through Kent Homechoice. It also gives you a better idea ofthe properties available in your area. You can also view what level ofpriority the successful applicant had and how long they waited for anew home.Everybody accepted onto a participating council’s housing register cantake part and bid for homes in the council’s area. All homes that areadvertised belong to either the council or a housing association. Eachadvert will confirm who is the landlord of the empty property.Properties will be advertised on a two-weekly basis. You will be ableto see basic details about each property available. There is moreinformation about the advertisements in the adverts section.We will provide feedback onprevious properties that havebeen advertised so you will beable to see the band or pointsthat the successful bidder foreach property had.You should be able to find allthe information you need inthis guide, but please contactus if you have any questionsabout Kent Homechoice. Youcan find our details in theContacts section of this guide.Five steps toa new homeStep 1 MembershipYou are automatically amember of Kent Homechoiceif you are accepted onto thehousing register (includingtransfer list).Step 2 RegistrationOnce you have appliedand been accepted ontothe register you will beregistered on the KentHomechoice scheme andgiven a unique Homechoicenumber.Step 3 BiddingYou can see the availableproperties on the KentHomechoice website,digital TV or a personalisedfreesheet. If you find aproperty that you wouldlike, you can express aninterest in it as long as youare eligible. This is known asplacing a bid.Step 4 OffersIf your bid is top of thelist, you will be offeredthe property, subject toeligibility checks, andinvited to view. If thefirst applicant refuses theproperty it will be offeredto the next suitable bidder.Step 5 FeedbackWe will publish the resultsof previous bidding cycles.This will include howmany people bid for eachproperty, the band or pointsthe successful bidder was inand their relevant date.www.kenthomechoice.org.uk | Page 3

How Kent Homechoice worksThere are five steps for you to follow in order to chooseyour new home:Step 1 – MembershipYou are automatically a member of KentHomechoice if you are registered on the council’shousing register. If you are not registered forhousing you can contact your council for anapplication form.You can only bid for properties in the areathat you are registered in.If you need more information about whether youare eligible, please contact the Housing OptionsTeam at your council.Step 2 – RegistrationOnce your completed application has been assessedand you have been included on the housing register,we will write to you. Some of the councils operatea points scheme and others a banding scheme toassess priority. We will tell you what band/points youare in, the size of property you are eligible for andyour unique Kent Homechoice number. You will alsobe sent a User Guide.If there are any changes to your household,accommodation or personal circumstances you mustcontact the Housing Options Team at your council.You may have to complete another form andprovide us with evidence. It is very important thatwe know any changes as it may alter your priority, orthe type of property you are eligible for.Step 3 – BiddingYou can bid for up to three homes eachfortnight. You should only bid for homes youare eligible for. Homes are advertised on thewebsite www.kenthomechoice.org.uk, ondigital TV and on personalised freesheets.You can bid from all day Friday until thefollowing Wednesday at 1pm.Your bids must reach us by this time to beconsidered. The adverts give you informationabout each property available for letting anda photograph will be included.Page 4 | Kent Homechoice Scheme User Guide

Step 3 Bidding – ContinuedYou can bid in 6 ways:1. On the internetGo to www.kenthomechoice.org.uk and log onwith your unique Kent Homechoice number andyour date of birth. Follow the instructions on screen.2. By digital TVBid through an interactive digital television or a webenabledmobile phone. See page 21 for more details.3. By telephoneCall 0906 294 0020 and follow the instructions. Seepage 22 about bidding by telephone. Calls cost 25p/minute. Calls will normally take less than 1 minute.4. By text message07781 472 726 see page 23 about bidding by text.5. By couponSee page 24 about how to complete your coupons.You must ensure you post the coupon in good timeto arrive before bidding closes. To request morecoupons, simply tick the box on the coupon whenyou send it back and we will post them to you.6. In person at the council offices/Gateway:See page 7 onwards for our contact details.Step 4 – OfferAt the end of the bidding period, all bids forhomes are put in priority order to produce a listof eligible applicants for each property.The landlord of each property offers from the listafter making further eligibility checks. Followingthese checks if your name is still at the top ofthe “priority list” you will be invited to view theproperty. If you refuse, the next person who iseligible on the list will be offered the home.You may not automatically be penalised forrefusing properties you have chosen. Yourcouncil will advise you if any action will be takenbecause you have refused a property. Somelandlords invite more than one applicant to viewtheir properties at the same time, although theproperty is always offered first to the applicantwith the highest priority.If you are top of more than one list, the landlordwill decide which property to offer you aftercontacting you and the other properties will beoffered elsewhere. If you receive an offer to viewbut you do not wish to, or are unable to attendyou must contact the landlord immediately.Please note that you will only be able to viewa property when it has been formally offeredto you.Step 5 – FeedbackIt is not possible to notify you individuallywhen your bids have been unsuccessful butyou can get this information from the website(see ‘bidding history’ after you have loggedin), digital TV or a personalised freesheet. Allproperties that have been advertised will belisted once they have been let. This tells youhow many people bid for each property as wellas the points/band of the successful bidder.www.kenthomechoice.org.uk | Page 5

Assessing yourhousing needKent Homechoice’s aim is to try and housethose in the greatest housing need. Each LocalAuthority has its own housing lettings policy,which will cover lettings in their area.All of the councils in the scheme have a wayof prioritising those in the greatest housingneed. Some councils use a bands system andsome award points.All partners within the scheme have a limitedamount of social housing compared to thedemand for housing in the area. In view of thisonly those with the highest levels of housingneed are likely to be successful via the KentHomechoice system. Further information aboutalternative housing options is provided in theHousing options section on page 27.The general principles of each type of systemare summarised below:Bands schemes:Every application is placed into a band including allhomeseekers and transfers, which helps to identifywho most needs housing. The band that youwill be placed in will be decided by a number offactors listed in each local authority lettings policy.Applicants with the highest housing need will beplaced into the highest band. Applicants with a lowerhousing need will be placed in the lower bands.Within each band the length of time you havewaited will be taken into account. Your positionwithin a band will improve over time.Points schemes:Points are awarded to applications which helps toidentify who most needs housing.The amount of points that you are given will bedecided by a number of factors listed in eachCouncil Lettings Policy. Applicants with thegreatest housing need will be given the highestnumber of points.Page 6 | Kent Homechoice Scheme User Guide

Contact details of local councilsWe have listed below the full contact details of all the local councils in Kent. Councils can provideyou with free housing advice, a summary of their lettings policies and details of how to apply forhousing in their area. They can also help you if you need more information about Kent Homechoiceor you are experiencing difficulty bidding for a homeAshfordBoroughCouncilCanterburyCity CouncilDartfordBoroughCouncilDoverDistrictCouncilAddress Phone Email Opening hoursHousing Options Team,Gateway Plus, ChurchRoad, Ashford, Kent,TN23 1ASHousing Advice TeamCanterbury City Council,Military Road,Canterbury CT1 1YWHousing Options & AdviceTeam, Dartford BoroughCouncil, Civic Centre,Home Gardens, Dartford,Kent DA1 1DRHousing Needs Section,Dover District CouncilWhite Cliffs Business Park,Dover CT16 3PJ01233 330688Monday - Friday8.30am - 4.00pm01277 862518Monday - Friday8.30am–5.00pm01322 34390701304 872265Monday to Friday 9amto 5pmhousing@ashford.gov.ukhousingadvice@canterbury.gov.ukhousingoptions@dartford.gov.ukhousing.enquiries@dover.gov.ukMonday - Thursday:9am–8pmFriday - Saturday:9am - 6pmMonday to Friday:8.30am - 5.00pmMonday - Thursday:8:45am–5:15pmFriday: 8:45am–4:45pmOfficers availableMonday - Friday9.00am - 4.00pmRegistered Office:3-5 Shorncliffe Road,Folkestone, CT20 2SQEast KentHousing- Canterbury Area Office- Dover Area Office01227 86214201304 872231canterbury@eastkenthousing.org.ukdover@eastkenthousing.org.uk- Shepway Area Office01303 853700shepway@eastkenthousing.org.uk- Thanet Area Office01843 577262thanet@eastkenthousing.org.ukGraveshamBoroughCouncilHousing AllocationsTeam,Civic Centre,Windmill Street,Gravesend,Kent DA12 1AU01474 337366 / 7 / 8Monday to Friday9am–5pmallocations@gravesham.gov.ukMonday - Thursday:9am–5pmFriday: 9am–4.30pmMaidstoneBoroughCouncilMaidstone Gateway,Maidstone BoroughCouncilKing Street, Maidstone,Kent ME15 6JQ01622 602440customerservices@maidstone.gov.ukMonday - Friday:8.30am–5.30pm,except Thursdaywhere the Gateway isopen till 8.00pmSaturday: 9.00am–1.00pmwww.kenthomechoice.org.uk | Page 7

Contact details - CONTINUEDMedwayCouncilSevenoaksDistrictCouncilHousingManagementFunctioncontracted out toWest Kent HousingAssociationShepwayDistrictCouncilSwaleBoroughCouncilThanetDistrictCouncilTonbridge& MallingBoroughCouncilAddress Phone Email Opening hoursChatham Contact Point,Riverside One, Dock RoadChatham, Kent, ME4 4SLHousing Options Team,West Kent HousingAssociation101 London Road,Sevenoaks,Kent TN13 1AXShepway District CouncilCivic CentreCastle Hill AvenueFolkestoneCT20 2QYHousing Options Team,Swale Borough CouncilSwale House, East Street,SittingbourneKent ME10 3HTHousing Options Team,Cecil Street, Margate,Kent CT9 1XZHousing Team,Tonbridge & MallingBorough Council,Gibson Building,Gibson Drive,Kings Hill,West Malling,Kent ME19 4LZ01634 33443301732 749433 /01732 74940001303 85330001795 41751101843 577277Monday - Thursday:8.45am–5.30pm,Friday: 8.45am–5.00pmDue to a high numberof calls please firstcheck our websitewww.thanet.gov.uk/faqs.aspx01732 876067SMS (text):07781 482959housing@medway.gov.ukhousing.options@wkha.org.ukhousing@shepway.gov.ukhousingoptions@swale.gov.ukhousing@thanet.gov.ukhousing.services@tmbc.gov.ukMonday - Thursday:8.30am–5.15pmFriday: 8.30am–4.45pmSaturday: ClosedMonday - Thursday:8:45am–5:15pm,Friday: 8:45am–4:45pmMon, Tues, Thurs andFri 8:30am to 5:00pmand Wed 9:30 to5:00pmMonday - Thursday:8.45am–5pmFriday: 8.45am–4.30pmMonday - Wednesday:9.00am–6.00pm,Thursday: 9.00am–8.00pm,Friday: 9.00am–6.00pm,Saturday: 9.00am–5.00pmKings Hill Officesopen from:Monday - Friday:8.30am–5.00pmHousing Team,Tonbridge & MallingBorough Council,Tonbridge Castle,Castle Street, Tonbridge,Kent TN9 1BGTonbridge CastleOffices open from:Monday - Friday:8.30am–4.30pmTunbridgeWellsBoroughCouncilHousing Needs TeamTunbridge Wells BoroughCouncil Town Hall,Royal Tunbridge WellsTN1 1RSGateway8 Grosvenor RoadRoyal Tunbridge WellsTN1 2AB01892 526121housingadvice@tunbridgewells.gov.ukMonday, Tuesday,Wednesday:Friday:9:00am - 5:00pmThursday:9:00am - 6:30pmSaturday:10:00am - 1:30pmPage 8 | Kent Homechoice Scheme User Guide

Address and contact details ofour partner housing associationsWe have listed below the full contact details of housing associations who are full partners of Kent Homechoice. They can help you if youneed more information about the scheme or if you are a housing association tenant and are experiencing difficulty bidding for a home.PartnerThe Abbeyfield Kent SocietyAccent Peerless LtdAffinity SuttonAmicusHorizon LtdThe Co-operative DevelopmentSociety Ltd (CDS)English Rural HousingAssociationGolding HomesGravesend Churches HousingAssociationHanover Housing AssociationHeart of MedwayHome GroupHousing 21Hyde Housing Association LtdAddress and contact timesThe Old Wharf, Station Road, Cuxton, Rochester, Kent ME2 1ABPhone: 01634 723007 E-mail - enquiry@abbeyfield.orgSuite 7, Invicta Business Centre, Orbital Park,Ashford, Kent, TN24 OHBPhone: 01233 500113 or 01276 852900Upton House, 7 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 3TNPhone: 0300 100 0303PO Box 322, Sittingbourne ME9 8PQPhone: 0800 121 6060 Email: contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk3 Marshalsea Road, London, SE1 1EPPhone: 020 7397 5700. Email: enquiries@cds.coop9 Graphite Square,Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5EEPhone: 020 7820 7930 Email: info@englishrural.org.ukWhatman House, St Leonard’s Road, Allington, Maidstone ME16 0LS.Phone: 0800 923 270017 London Road, Ingram House, Northfleet, DA11 9JQPhone:(01474) 369830 Email: general@gcha.org.ukHanover Service Centre, Nelson House, Alington Road, Eynesbury, St Neots,Cambridgeshire, PE19 6RE Phone: 0800 2802575Email: hanoverservicecentre@hanover.org.ukBroadside, Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4LLPhone: 0845 113 30003 Cantelupe Mews, Cantelupe Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3BGPhone: 01342 330 250 Email: home-eastgs@homegroup.org.ukLeitrim House, West Wing, Little Preston, Aylesford ME20 7NSPhone: 0870 192 400026 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4AEPhone: 0800 389 3598 Email:kentlettings@hyde-housing.co.ukLondon & Quadrant Housing TrustCray House, 3 Maidstone Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5HUPhone: 0844 406 9000 Email:L&Qdirect@lqgroup.org.ukmhs homesMoat Homes LtdOrbit South Housing AssociationPlaces for PeopleRiversideRusset HomesSanctuary HousingSouthern Housing GroupTown & Country Housing GroupWest Kent Housing AssociationBroadside, Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4LLPhone: 01634 565333Mariner House, Galleon Boulevard, Crossways, Dartford, Kent DA2 6QEPhone: 0845 600 1006 Email:customer@moat.co.ukFoy House, 27-29 High Street, Margate CT9 1DLPhone to 0800 6781221 Email:info@orbit.org.uk3rd Floor, Ivy House, 3 Ivy Terrace, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4QUPhone: 01323 435300Regus House, Victory Way, Crossways, Dartford DA2 6QDPhone: 01322 322029 /01322 322040 Email: RSEAllocations@riverside.org.ukBasted House, Harrison Road, Borough Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 8PBPhone: 01732 780999 Email:cbl@russethomes.orgLymington Avenue, 88-96 High Road, London, N22 6HEPhone: 0800 781 4755 Email: ContactUs@sanctuary-housing.co.ukSpire Court, Albion Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1JWPhone: 0300 303 1773 Email:service.info@shgroup.org.ukMonson House, Monson Way Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1LQPhone: 0845 873 1321 Email:info@tchg.org.ukHousing Options Team, West Kent Housing Association, 101 London Road,Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1AX Phone: 01732 749433 / 01732 749400www.kenthomechoice.org.uk | Page 9

Address and contact details ofother housing associationsWe have listed below other housing associations operating in Kent. Many of them will advertise properties within Kent Homechoice.AssociationAddress and contact timesA2DominionAdvance Housing and SupportAnchor TrustBroomleigh Housing AssociationLondon Limited 15th Floor, Capital House, 25 Chapel Street, London, NW1 5WXEmail: customer.services@a2dominion.co.uk Phone: 0800 432 0077Regus House, Victory Way, Admirals Park, Crossways, Dartford, Kent DA2 6QDPhone: 01322 305312 Email: housing@advanceuk.orgLondon and South East Regional Office, Milestone Place, 100 Bolton Road, Bradford,Yorkshire BD1 4DHPhone: 08457 758595 Email: enquiries.housing@anchor.org.ukMaple House, 157-159 Masons Hill, Bromley, Kent BR2 9HYPhone: 020 8313 3310 customerservices@broomleigh.org.ukCarr GommArea Office, 2 Roman Road, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8PZPhone: 01795 590500 Email: info@carrgomm.co.ukHabinteg Housing AssociationLimitedHaig HomesHatton Housing Trust LtdJephson HomesJewish Community HA LtdNotting Hill Housing TrustHolyer House, 20-21 Red Lion Court, London EC4A 3EBPhone: 020 78228700Alban Dobson House, Green Lane, Morden, Surrey SM4 5NSPhone: 020 8685 5777Bank House, Bank St Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BLPhone: 01732 770660HA1 Warwick house, Edison Park, Hindle Way, Swindon, Wilts SN3 3RBPhone: 01793 602199 Email: www.jephson.org.ukHarmony Close, Princes Park Avenue, London, NW11 OJJPhone: 020 8381 4901 Email: lettings@jcha.org.uk47-49 Durham Street, Vauxhall, London, SE11 5JAPhone: 0845 880 0110Radcliffe Housing Society Limited Radcliffe House, Homefield Road, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2DUPhone: 01732 459144Raglan Housing AssociationRockdale Housing AssociationSalvation Army HousingAssociationImperial Building Victoria Road, Horley Surrey RH6 7PZPhone: 0845 070 7772Rockdale Lodge, Rockdale Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1JTPhone: 01732 458762 Email: www.rockdale.org.ukCustomer Service Centre 33-35 Chorley New Road Bolton BL1 4QRPhone: 0845 3000 008 Email: General.EnquiriesCSC@saha.org.ukPage 10 | Kent Homechoice Scheme User Guide

Where to get information onKent HomechoiceInformation PointsAddress and contact timesAshford Borough CouncilGateway Plus, Church Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1ASAshford GatewayMonday to Thursday 9am - 8pm, Friday 9am - 6pm2 Manor Row, Tenterden, TN30 6HPTenterden Gateway Monday to Friday 9 am – 5.30 pm,Saturday 9 am – 4 pm Phone 01580 762558Church Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1ASAshford Library Phone: 08458 247000Monday to Friday 9am - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 6pmBockhanger Court, Kennington, Ashford, TN24 9JJBockhangerPhone:01233 624308Community Centre Sun, Tue, Thurs Closed, Mon & Fri 2-5,Wed 10-1, Sat 10-2Market Place, Charing, Ashford, TN27 0LRCharing Library Phone:01233 713177 Sun, Mon & Wed Closed,Tue - 9-12, Thurs 9-5, Fri 2-5, Sat 9-1Moat Housing Portacabin, Stanhope Neighbourhood Office,Otterden Close, Stanhope, TN23 5THStanhope LibraryPhone:01233 627591Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 9-5, Thurs 9-8, Sat, Sun Closed6 Upper Bridge Street, Wye, Ashford, TN25 5AFWye LibraryPhone:01233 812699 Sun, Mon & Wednesday ClosedTue 9-12, Thurs 2-6, Fri 9-5, Sat 10-2Canterbury City CouncilCanterburySecond Floor, 24 Burgate, Canterbury, CT1 2HAHousingOpen Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm except WednesdayAdvice Centre10am to 1pm. Phone 01227 762605Open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and SaturdayCanterbury Library9am to 5pm. Phone 01227 463608Military Road, Canterbury CT1 1YWCanterbury Main Office Open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm.Phone 01227 862142William Street, Herne Bay CT6 5NXHerne Bay DivisionalOpen Monday to Friday 8.45am to 4.45pm.OfficePhone 01227 862142124 High Street, Herne Bay CT6 5JYHerne Bay Library Open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday9am to 5pm. Phone 01227 374896Lucerne Neighbourhood Faversham Road, Seasalter, Whitstable CT5 4BGCentrePhone 01227 282732Spring LaneSussex Avenue, Canterbury CT1 1RTNeighbourhood Centre Phone 01227 477960Chafy Crescent, Sturry, Canterbury, CT2 0BA. PhoneSturry Library01227 711479. Opening hours Monday, Tuesday,Thursday, Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm.78 Herne Bay Road, Swalecliffe, Whitstable CT5 2LX.Swalecliffe Library Opening hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9amto 6pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm. Phone 01227 79264531-33 Oxford Street, Whitstable CT5 1DB.Whitstable Library Phone 01227 273309. Open Monday to Friday 9am to6pm. Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.Dartford Borough CouncilAshen Drive, Dartford, Kent DA1 3LY.Ashen Drive LibraryPhone 03122 223556Civic Centre, Home Gardens, Dartford,Dartford BoroughKent DA1 1DR. Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 5pm,CouncilFriday 8.45am to 4.45pm. Phone: 01322 343907Freeinternetaccess?Referencecopy?Staffassistance?Personalisedfreesheet?Yes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes NoYes No No NoYes No No NoYes No No NoYes No No NoYes No No NoYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes Yeswww.kenthomechoice.org.uk | Page 11

Information PointsDartford LibraryFleetdown LibraryGreenhithe LibraryLongfield LibrarySummerhouse DriveLibrarySutton-at-Hone LibrarySwanscombe TownCouncil OfficesTemple Hill LibraryAddress and contact timesCentral Park, Dartford, DA1 1EUPhone: 01322 221133 Monday to Friday 8.30am to6.00pm, Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pmSwaledale Road, Dartford, Kent DA2 6JZ.Pnone 01322 225546London Road, Greenhithe, Kent DA9 9EJ.Phone 01322 38338149 Main Road, Longfield, DA3 7QTPhone: 01474 706507Tuesday and Friday 1.00pm to 6.00pm, Wednesdayand Thursday 9.00am to 1.00pm Saturday 10.00amto 2.00pmSummerhouse Drive, Bexley, DA5 2EE.Monday, Wednesday and Sunday - Closed,Tuesday and Thursday 9.00am to 6.00pm,Friday 2.00pm to 6.00pm, Saturday 10.00amto 2.00pm. Phone: 01322 527604Main Road, Sutton-at-Hone, Dartford, DA4 9HSMonday and Friday 10.00am to 6.00pm, Tuesday andSaturday 10.00am to 2.00pm Wednesday, Thursdayand Sunday – Closed. Phone: 01322 863683The Grove, Swanscombe, Kent, DA10 0GA. Phone:01322 343064. Monday to Friday - 9am to 1pmTemple Hill, Dartford, Kent DA1 5HXPnone 01322 226013Freeinternetaccess?Referencecopy?Staffassistance?Personalisedfreesheet?Yes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes NoNo No No NoYes Yes Yes NoWardona Court Ames Road, Swanscombe, Kent, DA10 0HD No No No NoDover District CouncilAylesham Area OfficeAylesham Health Centre, Queens Road, AyleshamCT3 3BB Open Wednesday 9:00am to 12:30pm and No Yes Yes Yes1:30pm to 4:30pmAylesham Community Centre, Ackholt Road, AyleshamYes but onlyAylesham LibraryCT3 3AJ Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30am topre-bookedYes Yes5:00pm. Wednesday 9:30am to 1:00pm; SaturdayvolunteerNo10:00am to 2:00pm. Phone: 01304 841050assistanceDeal Area OfficeDeal Library, Broad Street, Deal CT14 6EROpen Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00am to 5:00pmYes Yes Yes YesDeal Centre for theRetiredDeal LibraryDover District CouncilMain OfficeDover GatewayDover LibrarySandwich Area Office3 Park Street, Deal CT14 6AGOpen Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pmSaturday 9:00am to 12:00pm. Phone: 01304 372608Broad Street, Deal CT14 6EROpen Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm; Saturday9:00am to 5:00pm; Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm.Phone: 01304 374726White Cliffs Business Park, Dover CT16 3PJOpen Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm.Phone 01304 82119971 Castle Street, Dover CT16 1PDOpen Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm;Sat 9:00am to 1:00pmDover Discovery Centre, Market Square, DoverCT16 1PH Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday9:00am to 6:00pm Wednesday 9:00am to 8:00pm;Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pmPhone: 01304 204241The Guildhall, Sandwich CT13 9AHOpen Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am to 12:30pm and1:30pm to 4:30pm. Phone: 01304 613305Yes Yes YesYesYesYes but onlypre-bookedvolunteerassistanceNoYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes YesYesYesYes but onlypre-bookedvolunteerassistanceNoNo Yes Yes NoSandwich Library13 Market Street, Sandwich CT13 9DAOpen Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00am to6:00pm Saturday 10:00am – 2:00pm.Phone: 01304 613819YesYesYes but onlypre-bookedvolunteerassistanceNoPage 12 | Kent Homechoice Scheme User Guide

Information PointsTriangles CommunityCentreGravesham BoroughCouncilHigham LibraryKings FarmNeighbourhood OfficeMeopham LibraryAllington LibraryBearsted LibraryFreeAddress and contact timesinternetaccess?Poulton Close, Dover CT17 0HLOpen Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm.Phone: 01304 219745Gravesham Borough CouncilCivic Centre, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1AUMonday – Friday 9am to 5pm.Phone: 01474 564422Villa Road, Higham, ME3 7BS. Open – Monday,Wednesday, Friday 9am to 1pm, Tuesday and Thursday.2pm to 5.30pm, Saturday 10am to 2pmPhone: 01474 823822Kitchener Avenue, Gravesend, DA12 5HYOpen Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,Friday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4 pm,Wednesday 9am to 1pm. Phone: 01474 33 76 42Wrotham Road, Meopham, DA13 0AHOpen – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9am to 6pm,Saturday 9am to 1pm. Phone: 01474 814636Maidstone Borough CouncilCastle Road, Allington, Maidstone ME16 0PR.Open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 6pm& Saturday 10am to 2pm.Phone: 01622 683435The Green, Bearsted, Maidstone ME16 0PR.Open Tuesday & Friday 9:30am to 1pm & 2pmto 5pm, Thursday 2pm to 6pm &Saturday 9:30am to 12:30pm.Phone: 01622 739774Referencecopy?Staffassistance?Yes Yes YesPersonalisedfreesheet?Yes Yes Yes NoYes Yes No NoNo Yes Yes NoYes Yes No NoYesYesNoNoas timepermitsas timepermitsstandardcharge tocustomer10p persheetstandardcharge tocustomer10p persheetCitizens Advice Bureau2 Bower Terrace, Maidstone ME16 8RYOpen Monday to Friday 10am to 4pmPhone: 01622 752420 or 01622 757882no Yes Yes NoCounty Central LibraryCoxheath LibraryHeadcorn LibraryLenham LibraryMadingford LibraryMaidstone Day CentreSpringfield, Maidstone ME 14 2LH.Open Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm & Saturday 9amto 5pm. Phone: 01622 696511Heath Road, Coxheath, Maidstone ME17 4EH.Open Monday to Tuesday & Thursday to Friday 9am to6pm & Saturday 9am to 2pm.Phone: 01622 744130King’s Road, Headcorn TN27 9QT.Open Tuesday to Thursday 1:15pm to 6pm,Friday 9am to 1:30pm & Saturday 10am to 2pm.Phone: 017622 89056611 The Limes, The Square, Lenham ME17 2PQ.Monday & Thursday 1:15pm to 6pm, Tuesday 9am to1:30pm & Saturday 10am to 2pm.Phone: 01622 859140Egremont Road, Bearsted, Maidstone ME158LH.Monday to Wednesday & Friday 9am to 6pm &Saturday 10am to 2pm.Phone: 01622 73063115 Knightrider Street Maidstone Kent ME15 6LP.Open Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 1.30pm & Friday8.00am to 12.00am. Phone: 01622 674064YesYesYesYesYesonly toclients ofMDCNoNoNoNoNoYesas timepermitsas timepermitsas timepermitsas timepermitsas timepermitsonly toclients ofMDCat standardcharge tocustomer(10p persheet)at standardcharge tocustomer(10p persheet)at standardcharge tocustomer(10p persheet)standardcharge tocustomer10p persheetstandardcharge tocustomer10p persheetNowww.kenthomechoice.org.uk | Page 13

Information PointsMaidstone GatewayGolding HomesShepwayHousing OfficeGolding HomesWhatman HouseMaidstone LibraryMarden LibraryParkwood Plus HealthyLiving CentreShepway LibraryStaplehurst LibraryYalding LibraryChatham Contact PointCuxton LibraryGillingham LibraryGrain LibraryHoo Library - RochesterAddress and contact timesKing Street Maidstone Kent ME15 6JQ.Open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm, exceptThursday where the Gateway is open till 7pm, Saturday9am to 1pm Phone: 01622 60224401 Northumberland Court Northumberland RoadMaidstone ME 15 7LW. Open Monday to Thursday8.30am to 5.00pm & Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.Phone: 0800 923 2700St. Leonard’s Road Allington Maidstone ME16 OLS.Open Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm & Friday8.30am to 4.30pm. Phone: 0800 923 2700St. Faith’s Street, Maidstone ME14 1LH. Monday toFriday 9am to 6pm & Saturday 9am to 5pm.Phone: 01622 752344High Street, Marden TN12 9DP.Tuesday & Thursday 1:15pm to 6pm,Friday 9am to 1:30pm & Saturday 10am to 2pm.Phone: 01622 8136194 Parkwood Parade Parkwood ME 15 9HL. OpenMonday to Friday 9.30pm to 4.30pm & Saturday 10amto 1pm. Phone: 01622 69117717 Northumberland Court, Shepway ME15 7LW.Monday 2pm to 5pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9amto 5pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm.Phoneephone 01622 751488The Parade, Hig Street, Staplehurst TN12 0LA.Tuesday 9am to 8pm, Wednesday toFriday 9am to 6pm & Saturday 10am to 2pm.Phone: 01580 891929High Street, Yalding ME18 6HU.Monday & Thursday 2pm to 5pm, Wednesday 9:30amto 12pm & Saturday 10am to 2pm.Phone: 01622 817735Medway CouncilRiverside One Dock Road Chatham Kent ME4 4SL.Monday to Thursday: 8.30am–5.15pm - Friday:8.30am–4.45pm. Phone: 01634 334433Bush Road, Cuxton, Rochester, Kent ME2 1EYPhone: 01634 337340Tuesday 9am – 1pm – Thursday 2pm – 6pm – Friday2pm – 6pm – Saturday 10am – 4pmGillingham Library, High Street, Gillingham, Kent ME71BG. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday,Friday: 9am-5pm; Tuesday: 10am-5pm.Saturday: 9am–1pm. Phone: 01634 337340.The Chapel, Chapel Road, Grain, Rochester, Kent ME3OBZ. Phone 01634 338727Tuesday 9am – 1pm – Thursday 2pm – 6pm – Friday2pm – 6pm – Saturday 10am – 4pmChurch Street, Hoo, Rochester, Kent ME3 9ALPhone/fax 01634 250640 Monday 9am – 6pm –Tuesday 2pm – 6pm –Thursday 2pm – 6pm –Friday 9am – 6pm – Saturday 10am – 4pmFreeinternetaccess?Referencecopy?Staffassistance?Personalisedfreesheet?Yes No Yes YesNo Yes Yes NoNoYesYesYesNoNoYes - staffpermittingas timepermitsas timepermitsNostandardcharge tocustomer10p persheetstandardcharge tocustomer10p persheetNo Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes YesYes Yes YesYes - stafftime permittingPrinting 10ppersheetYes Yes Yes NoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesAs timepermitsAs timepermitsAs timepermitsAs timepermitsNoNoNoNoLordswood LibraryKestrel Road, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8THPhone 01634 862096 Monday 9am – 5pm – Tuesday2pm – 5pm – Thursday 9am – 5pm – Friday 9am –5pm – Saturday 10am – 4pmYesYesAs timepermitsNomhs express115 High Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4DHPhone: 0845 1133000Monday to Saturday, 8.30am to 5.00pmNoYesAs timepermitsNoPage 14 | Kent Homechoice Scheme User Guide

Information Pointsmhs homesRainham Contact PointRochester LibraryStrood LibraryTwydall LibraryEdenbridge LibraryHartley LibraryAddress and contact timesBroadside, Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime,Chatham, Kent, ME4 4LLPhone: 0845 113 3000Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm1-3 Station Road, Rainham, Kent ME8 7RSMonday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9am-5pm -Wednesday: 9am-7.30pmFriday: 9am-5pm - Saturday: 9am-1pmRochester Library, Eastgate, Rochester, Kent ME1 1EWMonday to Friday: 9am–5pm -Saturday: 10am-1pm.Rochester Library opening hours differ.Please phone 01634 337411 for details.32 Bryant Road, Strood, Rochester, Kent ME2 3EPMonday - 9am–7pm, Tuesday 10am–6pm – Wednesday– Thursday 9am–6pm,Friday 9am–7pm. Phone: 01634 33589014-15 Twydall Green, Gillingham, Kent ME8 6JYPhone: 01634 232488Monday – Tuesday 9am – 5pm –Weds – Thurs 9am –1pm – Friday 2pm – 5pm –Saturday 10am – 4pmSevenoaks District CouncilChurch Street, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5BD.Open Tuesday to Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm & Saturday10:00am – 2:00pm.Phone: 01732 862600Ash Road, Hartley, Longfield, Kent DA3 8EL.Open Tuesday 9:00am – 5:00pm,Thursday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Friday 9;00am – 5:00pm &Saturday 10:00am – 2:00pm.Phone: 01474 704403Freeinternetaccess?NoReferencecopy?YesStaffassistance?As timepermitsPersonalisedfreesheet?NoYes Yes Yes NoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesAs timepermitsAs timepermitsAs timepermitsYes butwill belimited withstaff timeconstraintsYes butwill belimited withstaff timeconstraints.NoNoNoYes butwill be 10pper sheetchargeYes butwill be 10pper sheetchargeSevenoaks DistrictCouncilSevenoaks LibrarySevenoaks DistrictCouncilWest Kent HousingAssociationWest Kent HousingAssociationWest KingsdownLibraryArgyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG. Open Mondayto Friday 8:45am to 5:00pm except Friday when closes at4:45pm. Phone: 01732 227000Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN1 1LQ.Open Monday to Wednesday 9:00am – 6:00pm,Thursday 9:00am – 8:00pm,Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm &Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm. Phone: 01732 453118Swanley Library, London Road, Swanley, Kent BR8 7AE.Open Monday to Thursday 9:30am – 5:30pm, Friday9:30am – 6:00pm & Saturday 9:00am – 4:00pm.Phone: 01322 662570101 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1AX. OpenMonday to Friday 8:45am to 5:15pm except Fridaywhen closes at 4:45pm.Phone: 01732 749433Swanley Office, Unit 38/39, Swanley Centre,Nightingale Way, Swanley BR8 7TQ.Open Monday to Friday 8:45am to 5:15pmexcept Friday when closes at 4:45pm.Phone: 01732 749400Gamecock Meadow, London Road, West Kingsdown,Kent TN15 6EL. Open Tuesday 1:00pm – 7:00pm,Thursday 1:00pm – 5:30pm,Friday 9:00am – 1:30pm &Saturday 10:00am – 2:00pm.Phone: 01474 854623Yes Yes Yes YesYesYesYesYesYes butwill belimited withstaff timeconstraints.Yes butwill belimited withstaff timeconstraints.Yes butwill be 10pper sheetcharge.Yes butwill be 10pper sheetchargeYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes YesYesYesYes butwill belimited withstaff timeconstraints.Yes butwill be 10pper sheetchargewww.kenthomechoice.org.uk | Page 15

Information PointsWesterham LibraryCheriton LibraryAddress and contact timesLondon Road, Westerham, Kent TN16 1BD. OpenTuesday 9:00am – 6:00pm, Wednesday 9:00am –1:00pm, Thursday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Friday 9:00am– 5:00pm & Saturday 9:00am – 12:30pm.Phone: 01959 562326Shepway District Council64 Cheriton High Street, Folkestone CT19 4HBOpen: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9am to 6pm, Wed 9amto 1pm, Sat 9am to 2pm Phone: 08458 247200Freeinternetaccess?YesYesReferencecopy?YesYesStaffassistance?Yes butwill belimited withstaff timeconstraintsPersonalisedfreesheet?Yes butwill be 10pper sheetcharge.Folkestone LibraryHythe LibraryOne Stop ServiceNew RomneyShepwayDistrict CouncilWood Avenue Library2 Grace Hill, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1HDOpen: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9am to 6pm, Thurs 9am to8pm, Sat 9am to 5pm and Sun 10am to 4pm.Phone: 08458 2472001 Stade Street, Hythe, Kent CT21 6BQOpen: Mon to Friday 9am to 6pm and Sat 9am to 5pmPhone: 08458 247200Church Approach, New Romney, TN28 8ASOpen: Tues 9am to 12.30pm and Friday9am to 12.30pmCivic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone CT20 2QYOpen Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri 8:30am to 5pm andWednesday 9.30am to 5pm Phone: 01303 853300Wood Avenue, Folkestone, Kent CT19 6HSOpen: Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri 9am to 5pm andSat 9am to 2pm Phone: 01303 254226Yes YesYes YesYes Yes YesYes Yes Yes YesYes YesLydd LibraryOld School, Skinner Road, Lydd, Romney Marsh, KentTN29 9HN Open: Mon 9am to 5pm, Tues 2pm to 5pm,Thurs 9am to 1pm Phone: 01797 320131YesYesLyminge LibraryNew Romney Library7-9 Station Road, Lyminge Kent, CT18 8HSOpen Mon 2pm to 5pm, Tues 9am to 12pm, Thurs9.am to 6pm, Fri 9anm to 12pm, Sat 10.am to 2pmPhone: 01303 86218082 High Street New Romney Kent TN28 8AUOpen: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9am to 6pm, Wed 9amto 1pm Sat 9.am to 2pm Phone: 08458 247200YesYesYesYesAmicusHorizon –FavershamAmicusHorizon –SheernessAmicusHorizon –SittingbourneBoughton-under-BleanLibrarySwale Borough Council41 Stone Street, Faversham, Kent ME13 8PHMon 8.00am – 6.00pm. Tue, Thur andFri 8.30am – 5.00pm, Wed 8.30 am – 4.00pm exceptthe first Wed of the month which is 8.30am - 3.30pm.Phone: (0800) 633 56561 Bank House, Broadway, Sheerness,Kent ME 12 1TWMon 8.00am – 6.00pm. Tue, Thur andFri 8.30am – 5.00pmWed 8.30 am – 4.00pm except the firstWed of the month which is 8.30am - 3.30pm.Phone: (0800) 633 56565 Roman Square, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4BJMon 8.00am – 6.00pm.Tue, Thur and Fri 8.30am – 5.00pmWed 8.30 am – 4.00pm except the firstWed of the month which is 8.30am - 3.30pm.Phone: (0800) 633 5656Village Hall, Boughton-under-Blean,Kent ME13 9JFTues 10.00am - 1.00pm and 2.00pm – 5.00pm.Fri 2.00pm – 6.00pm. Phone: (01227) 751860Yes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes No NoPage 16 | Kent Homechoice Scheme User Guide

Information PointsCitizens Advice Bureau– FavershamCitizens Advice Bureau– SheernessCitizens Advice Bureau– SittingbourneFaversham LibraryMinster-in-SheppeyLibraryQueenborough LibrarySheerness LibrarySheerness GatewaySittingbourne LibrarySwale Borough Council– FavershamSwale Borough Council– SittingbourneSwale Borough Council– SheernessTeynham LibraryThe BeaconBirchington LibraryBroadstairs & St PetersTown Clerks OfficeCitizens Advice BureauAddress and contact times43 Stone Street, Faversham, Kent ME13 8PHMon, Wed and Fri - 10am - 2:30pm.Phone: 0844 499 4125 (24/7)Hope Street Centre, Hope Street, Sheerness, ME12 1QHMon and Wed - 10am - 2pm.Phone: 0844 499 4124 (24/7)17 Station Street, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3DUMon, Tue, Wed and Fri 10.00am - 12:30pmPhone: 0844 499 4124 (24/7)Newton Road, Faversham, Kent ME13 8DYMon to Fri 9am – 6pm. Sat 9am – 5pm.Phone: (01795) 532448Worcester Close, Minster-in-Sheppey, Sheerness, KentME12 3NP.Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri 9am - 6pm. Sat 10am - 2pm.Phone: (01795) 872363Railway Terrace, Queenborough, Sheppey,Kent ME11 5AYMon, Wed and Fri 2.00pm - 5.00pm.Tues and Thurs 9.00am - 12 noon.Sat 10.00am - 2pm. Phone: (01795) 663695Russell Street, Sheerness, Kent ME12 1PLMon to Fri 9.00am – 6.00pm.Sat 9.00am – 5.00pm.Phone: (01795) 66261838-42 High Street, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 1NLMon, Tues, Thurs and Fri 9.00am - 5.00pmWed 9.00am - 6.00pm. Sat 9.00am - 12.00 noonPhone: (01795 417511)Central Avenue, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4AHMon, Tue Wed Fri - 9.00am to 6.00pm.Thur - 9.00am to 8.00pm.Sat - 9.00am to 5.00pm. Phone: (01795) 476545Alexander Centre, Preston Street, Faversham, KentME13 8NY. Mon to Thur 8.45am - 5:00pmFri 8.45am - 4:30pm. Phone: (01795) 417622Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3HTMon to Thur 8.45am - 5:00pmFri 8.45am - 4:30pmPhone: (01795) 417622Trinity Road, Sheerness, Kent ME12 2PGMon to Thur 8.45am - 5:00pm Fri 8.45am - 4:30pmPhone: (01795) 417622131 London Road, Teynham, Kent ME 9 9QJMon and Wed 2.00pm - 5.00pm.Tues and Thurs 9.30am - 12 noon.Sat 10.00am - 2.00pm.Phone: (01795) 521674Thanet District CouncilManston Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT12 6NTMonday to Friday 9am - 5pm.Phone 01843 855200Alpha Road, Birchington, Kent CT7 9EG. Weekdays9am - 6pm, closed all day Wednesday,Saturdays 10am - 2pm.Phone 01843 841883Pierremont Hall, Broadstairs, Kent CT 10 1JXMondays to Fridays 9am - 2pm.Phone 01843 868718The Old Town Hall, Market Street,Margate CT9 1EUMonday to Friday 9.30 -12.30.Phone 01843 225973 - Advice Line.01843 232666 - Appointments LineFreeinternetaccess?Referencecopy?Staffassistance?Personalisedfreesheet?No Yes No NoNo Yes No NoNo Yes No NoYes Yes No NoYes Yes No NoYes Yes No NoYes Yes No NoYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes No NoYes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes NoYes Yes No NoNo Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes NoNo Yes Yes Nowww.kenthomechoice.org.uk | Page 17

Information PointsConnexionsMinster Library andNeighbourhood CentreOrbit South,Ramsgate District OfficeSurestart MillmeadChildrens CentreThanet Gateway PlusWestgate LibraryBorough Green LibraryEast Peckham LibraryHadlow LibraryHildenboroughLibraryLarkfield LibraryTonbridge LibraryTonbridge & MallingBorough Council GibsonBuilding, Kings HillAddress and contact timesFreeinternetaccess?Referencecopy?Staffassistance?Personalisedfreesheet?Paragon House, Albert Street, RamsgateMonday to Friday 10am - 7pm.Tues, Thurs & Fri 9am - 5pm, Wed 10am - 5pm.Phone 01843 593395 (This is a young persons service)Yes Yes Yes No4a Monkton Road, Minster, Kent CT12 4EAMondays 2pm - 6pm,Tuesday 9:30am - 1pm then 2pm - 6pm,Wednesday closed, Thursday 9:30am - 1pmYes Yes Yes Nothen 2pm, Friday 9:30am - 6pm,Saturdays 9:30am - 1pm. Phone 01843 8211442Foy House, 27-29 High Street, Margate9.00am - 5.00pm Mon - Fri - 0345 8500500No Yes Yes No14 York Street, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 9DSMonday to Friday 8.45am - 12.30pm.No Yes Yes NoPhone 01843 577000Dane Valley Road, Margate CT9 3RUMon to Fri 8am to 5pmNo Yes Yes NoPhone 01843 280555, Fax 01843 280666Cecil Square, Margate, Kent CT9 1XZ.Weekdays 9am - 6pm, Thurdays till 8pm andYes Yes Yes YesSaturday 9am - 5pm. Phone 01843 577000Minster Road, Westgate, Kent CT8 8BP.Mondays 9am - 5pm, Tuesday 9am - 6pm, Wednesday9am - 5pm, Thursday Closed,Yes Yes Yes NoFriday 9am - 6pm, Saturdays 10am - 2pm.Phone 01843 831017Tonbridge & Malling Borough CouncilHigh Street, Borough Green, Kent, TN15 8BJMonday, Tuesday, Thursday,Friday: 9:00am to 18:00pm,Yes Yes No NoSaturday 10:00am to 14:00pm.Phone: 01732 8844043 Pound Road, East Peckham, Kent, TN12 5AUTuesday 10.00am to 13:00pmand 14:00am to 17:00pm,Yes Yes No NoThursday and Friday 14:00am to 18:00pm Saturday9:30 am to 13:00 pm. Phone: 01622 871050School Lane, Hadlow, Kent, TN11 0EHTuesday 9:00am to 13:00pm,Thursday 9.00am to 13.00pm and 14:00am toYes Yes No No18:00pm, Saturday 10.00am to 14:00pm.Phone: 01732 851794Riding Lane, Hildenborough, Kent, TN11 9HXMonday 9:00am to 17:00pm,Tuesday 14:00pm to 18:00pm,Thursday 9:00am to 13:00 pm and14:00pm toYes Yes No No17:00pm, Saturday 10:00am to 14:00pm.Phone: 01732 838729Martin Square, Larkfield, Aylesford, ME20 6QWMonday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:9:00am to 18:00pm, Saturday 10:00am to 16:00pmTMBC surgeries Monday and Tuesday 9:00amYes Yes No Noto 12:30 and 13:00pm to 16:00pm.Phone: 01732 842339Avebury Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1TGMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday,Friday 9:00 am to 18:00 pm,Yes Yes No NoThursday 9:00 am to 20:00 pm,Saturday 9:00 am to 17:00 pm. Phone: 01732 352754Gibson Drive, Kings Hill, West Malling,Kent, ME19 4LZMonday to Friday 8:30 am to 17:00 pm.Yes Yes Yes YesPhone: 01732 876067Page 18 | Kent Homechoice Scheme User Guide

Information PointsTonbridge & MallingBorough CouncilTonbridge CastleTonbridge NorthLibrarySnodland LibraryWest Malling LibraryCranbrook LibraryGatewayHawkhurst LibraryPaddock WoodLibraryPembury LibraryRusthall LibrarySherwood LibraryShowfields LibrarySouthboroughLibraryFreeAddress and contact timesinternetaccess?Castle Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1BGMonday to Friday 8:30am to 16:30pm,Saturday 9:00am to 16:00pm,Sunday 10:00am to 16:00pm.Phone: 01732 8760675 York Parade, Tonbridge, Kent, TN10 3NPTuesday 9:00am to 18:00pm,Thursday 9:00am to 17:00pm,Friday 9:00am to 13:00pm, Saturday 10:00am to14:00pm. Phone: 01732 35191815-17 High Street, Snodland, Kent, ME6 5DATuesday to Friday 9:00am to 18:00pm,Saturday 10:00am to 14:00pmTMBC surgery Friday 9:00am- to 12:30pm.Phone: 01634 24377622-24 High Street, West Malling, Kent, ME19 6QRTuesday to Friday 9:00am to 18:00pm,Saturday 10:00am to 14:00am. Phone: 01732 842504Tunbridge Wells Borough CouncilCarriers Road, Cranbrook TN17 3JT.Open Tuesday to Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm, Saturday9.30am - 4.00pm. Phone: 01580 7124638 Grosvenor Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 2AB.Phone: 01892 526121Rye Road, Hawkhurst, Cranbrook TN18 4EY.Open Tuesday 10.00am - 1.00pm 2.00pm - 6.00pm,Thursday 10.00am - 1.00pm 2.00pm - 5.00pm,Friday 10.00am - 1.00pm 2.00pm - 6.00pm,Saturday 9.30am 12.30pm. Phone: 01580 7520649 Commercial Road, Paddock Wood, TonbridgeTN12 6EN. Open Tuesday to Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm,Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm.Phone 01892 832006The Hop House, Henwood Green Road, Pembury, TunbridgeWells TN2 4HS.Open Tuesday to Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm,Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm. Phone 01892 822278High Street, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells TN4 8RZ.Open Tuesday 9.00am - 6.00pm,Closed Wednesday,Thursday 9.00am - 1.00pm, Friday9.00am - 6.00pm, Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm.Phone 01892 521667TN2 Community Centre, Lakeside, Greggs Wood Road,Tunbridge Wells TN2 3LZ.Open Tuesday & Wednesday 9.00am - 5.00pm, ClosedThursday, Friday 9.00am 5.00pm,Saturday 9.00am - 1.00pm. Phone 01892 537639Showfields Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5PR.Open Tuesday 9.00am - 5.00pm,Closed Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9.00am -5.00pm,Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm. Phone 01892 532620Yew Tree Road, Tunbridge Wells TN4 0BA.Open Monday to Wednesday 9.00am - 6.00pm,Closed Thursday, Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm,Saturday 9.30am - 4.00pm. Phone 01892 529808Referencecopy?Staffassistance?Personalisedfreesheet?Yes Yes Yes YesYes Yes No NoYes Yes No NoYes Yes No NoYes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes YesYes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes NoYes Yes Yes NoTunbridge WellsLibraryMount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1NS.Open Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm,Monday to Wednesday 9.00am - 6.00pm,Thursday 9.00am - 8.00pm, Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm,Saturday 9.00am 5.00pm. Phone 01892 522352Yes Yes Yes Nowww.kenthomechoice.org.uk | Page 19

BiddingYou can see the two-weekly Kent Homechoice property list on line at www.kenthomechoice.org.ukwebsite, as well as bid online.Free internet access is available at most of the the locations in the property outlets section. If you needhelp to find and use the website please ask at these locations.Bidding via the websiteAction1 To begin making your bids viathe web go to2 You will need to Login to accessthe member pages so, at thehomepage you will need to findthe Login button.3 At the Login page you willneed to enter the followinginformation:4 At the Members page you willneed to:5 You will see a list of theproperties that you are able tomake a bid on:6 When the advert is open:7 When the bid is placed:8 To place more bids, up to threein total:9 If you want to change any ofyour bids placed in the bids area:10 If you have deleted a bid thenyou can enter more bids:www.kenthomechoice.org.ukExampleClick on the Login button located at the top right of the screen.Application Area: CANTHomechoice Number: 999999Date of Birth: 16 Apr 1960Click on the Make a Bid link at the top of the fouroptions available.Click the View Advert link on one of the entries in the listand the advert will open for you to look at.You can click on the Bid link at the top of the advert to placea bid or you can close the advert if you do not.The property entry will move to your bids area above theproperty list. You can click the View Advert link if you wantto remind yourself of the advert.You can repeat actions 5, 6 and 7 until you have placed allof your bids. Now you can either log out or continue lookingaround the website.There is a Delete bid link if you want to remove the advertfrom you bids area and return it to the properties list.You will be able to add more bids to the bidsarea if you have deleted bids from your bid area you can addmore bids, up to 3 in totalPage 20 | Kent Homechoice Scheme User Guide

Bidding by digital TVHow to bid:You can bid for homes using your televisionremote control if you are a subscriber to SKY,Virgin Media (previously Telewest/NTL) or if youhave an interactive Freeview box. In all cases yourphone line must be connected to your Digi-Box.You can also bid using digital TV through Wii ora personal computer, or through a web-enabledmobile phone.You will need to have the following ready:• Your Kent Homechoice number• Your date of birthPlease follow the instructions below.Once you are in Looking Local choose SouthernEngland, then South East, then Kent, then KentHomechoice.Charges for web access are set by your serviceprovider.SKY• Go to Community Channel (539)• Press RedVIRGIN• Press the Home button• Choose Interactive button• Select News and Info• Select Looking LocalOr• Go to Community Channel (233)• Press RedWii & PC• Insert the following url intoyour brower:MOBILE• Via any web enabled phone:http://lookinglocal.gov.uk/KentHomechoice/http://lookinglocal.gov.uk/KentHomechoice/iTunesQR codeAndroidQR codeUse your smartphone to scan these Quick Response Codes and download our new app,with which you can access our service.If you have not used a quick response code (QRC) before or do not have a QRC readerinstalled on your phone, then go to the Android Market or iTunes Store, search for ‘QCReader’ and download one for free’.www.kenthomechoice.org.uk | Page 21

Bidding by telephoneCalls cost 25p per minute from a landline, and calls usually take less than one minute.The cost of mobile calls varies according to the network you use.ActionExample1 To begin making your bids dial 0906 294 0020“Welcome to the Homechoice property line”.Press 01 for Councils in Group OnePress 02 for Councils in Group TwoCouncils in Group One Councils in Group TwoPress 01 for Canterbury Press 01 for ShepwayPress 02 for Thanet Press 02 for TunbridgeWells2 You will hearPress 03 for Ashford Press 03 for DartfordPress 04 for Sevenoaks Press 04 for MaidstonePress 05 for Swale Press 05 for Tonbridge& MallingPress 06 for Dover Press 06 for GraveshamPress 07 for Medway3 You will hear4 You should now enter the numerical part ofyour Homechoice number only. Once you haveentered the correct number you will hear5 You should now enter the day number of yourdate of birth. Please remember to put theleading zero (0) in if it is a single number. Forexample, if your date of birth is 16/04/1970type in 16, if your date of birth is 08/01/1958type in 08. Once you have entered the correctnumber, you will hear6 Enter the three digits of the property referencenumber. Once you have entered the correctnumber you will hear7 If you have pressed one you will hear8 Enter the three digits of the second propertyreference number. Once you have entered thecorrect number you will hear9 If you have pressed one you will hear10 You can make another bid if you decide todelete one but your total number of bids cannot exceed 3.“Thank you. Please enter the number section ofyour reference number.”“Thank you. Please enter the day number of yourbirth date.”“Thank you. Please enter the property referencenumber for your first bid.”“Thank you. If you would like to add anadditional bid, press one, or press two tocomplete your bids.”“Thank you. Please enter the property referencenumber for your second bid, or press the starkey to complete your bidding.”“Thank you. If you would like to add anadditional bid, press one, or press the star key tocomplete your bidding.”“Thank you. Please enter the property referencenumber for your third bid, or press the star keyto complete your bidding.”“Thank you for bidding.”If you made errors with your Homechoice number you may hear some of the instructions below:11 If you have made an error with your “I’m sorry, the reference number you haveHomechoice number, you will hearentered is not recognised. Please try again.”12 Enter your Homechoice number again,making sure that you are only entering thenumber part of your reference number. Ifyou get your Homechoice number wrong asecond time you will hear“I’m sorry, the reference number you haveentered is not found. Please check with yourcouncil or housing association and call again.”Page 22 | Kent Homechoice Scheme User Guide

Bidding - CONTINUEDBidding by text messageMost mobile phone companies will charge you around 10p to send an SMS text message.ActionExample1 To begin making your bids Open a new text message2 Enter in your Homechoice number via the keys ABC123453 Then followed immediately by the hash mark ABC12345#4 You should now enter the advert referencenumber of your first bid followedimmediately by the hash markABC12345#654#If you have finished bidding then send. If not, keep following the instructions below.5 You should now enter the advert referencenumber of your second bid followedimmediately by the hash markABC12345#654#791#If you have finished bidding then send. If not, keep following the instructions below.6 You should now enter the advert referencenumber of your third bid followedimmediately by the hash mark7 When you have entered all your bids, send orok your text message bidABC12345#654#791#555#“Send or ok”8 The number to send your bid to is 07781 472 726• Most mobile phone companies charge SMS text messages at around 10p per text• To add numbers to the message keep pressing the keys until you get to the digit and select• On most mobile phones, to find the hash mark, first press the star key then select the hash mark• You can enter your bids in both upper and lower case.• Check your Homechoice number and bids are correct before sending.Ordering more bid coupons by text message.You can also order more coupons by sending atext message to the same text number but themessage needs to be your Homechoice number,immediately followed by the hash mark andthen the word ‘coupon’ABC12345#couponwww.kenthomechoice.org.uk | Page 23

Bidding by coupon• Your coupon has your name and Homechoicenumber printed on it – please check thatthese are correct.• You can bid for up to three properties eachfortnight.• Each property will have a three digit referencenumber, shown in the property advert in theHomechoice property list.• For example, if you want to apply forproperties with the reference numbers 654,791 and 555, you should mark the couponas shown.• For the first bid (654 in this example), youshould put an X in the first column againstthe relevant first digit of the number in the‘Bid 1’ box (6 in this example).• You should put an X in the second columnagainst the relevant second digit of thenumber in the ‘Bid 1’ box (5 in this example).• You should put an X in the third columnagainst the relevant third digit of the numberin the ‘Bid 1’ box (4 in this example).• Do the same for your second and third bidas shown.• Enter the date shown on the front of theHomechoice property list from which you arebidding.• Please return your coupon by post.Theaddress is already printed on the front ofthe coupon, but you will need to put astamp on it.Ordering more couponsIf you are running low on coupons, there arethree ways for you to order more:• tick the box on the back of the biddingcoupon when you next bid.• send a text (SMS) with your Homechoicenumber and the word ‘coupon’ to the textbidding number (07781 472726).• log-in to the bidding section to order morecoupons online.Kent Homechoice CouponEnter freesheet dateD D M M Y YTick this box if youneed more couponssent to youKent HomechoiceBid 1 Bid 2 Bid 31 1 12 2 23 3 34 4 45 5 56 6 67 7 78 8 89 9 90 0 0Page 24 | Kent Homechoice Scheme User Guide

AdvertsThis is an example of an advert11 - 1one bedroom bungalow H / Tref no: 882Location: Suffolk Road, Spring Lane,CanterburyLandlord: Canterbury City CouncilRent: £70.84Service charge: £31.22 per weekA G E+60Features: gas central heating, double glazing,step up to front door, lifeline, private reargarden. Close to row of local shops andregular mini-link bus service into city centre.Central Canterbury is a little over a mile away.Key to advert symbolsNumber of bedrooms in the propertyNumber of people the property is suitable forProperty designed for people this age or aboveFloor level of property, if flat or maisonette123Mobility Level 1 - Suitable for wheelchair user indoors and outdoorsMobility Level 2 - Suitable for people who cannot manage steps or stairs and mayuse a wheelchair some of the dayMobility Level 3 - Suitable for people only able to manage 1 or 2 steps or stairsPets allowed /pets notallowedFamiliesH/THomeseeker/TransferLocal Connection - VillageTTransferGarden / No GardenHHomeseekerLift / No LiftHomelesswww.kenthomechoice.org.uk | Page 25

FeedbackUnderstanding the feedback reportsFeedback reports are available on the internet,digital TV and personalised freesheets. Thefeedback information contains lettings that havetaken place since the previous edition.Freesheet issue dateThis is the publication date of the leaflet that theadvert appeared in.Advert referenceCombined with the leaflet issue date, this givesa unique identity to any advert appearing inthe leaflet.Size and property typeA simple description of the property advertised.LocationLocation of the property within Kent.BidsThis is the total number of bids received for eachproperty.Letting InformationThis will show the level of priority the successfulbidder has.Please note that Canterbury City Council andThanet District Council do not have differentapplication types.This is an example of a feedback reportFreesheetIssue DateAdvertReferenceSize Property Type Location BidsBandLETTING INFORMATIONPriorityDateApplicationTypeThanet District Council25-Feb-08 123 3 Bed House Ramsden Square 125 B 02/06/07 Homeseeker25-Feb-08 124 2 Bed Flat Brimley Road 19 A 23/05/07 Transfer25-Feb-08 125 1 Bed Flat (bedsit) Cockerell Road 78 B 25/05/07 HomeseekerWe may need to withdraw a property that has been advertised in Kent Homechoice. This couldhappen for a variety of reasons, for example the current tenant decided not to move, the propertyneeded unforeseen repairs, or the landlord had to make an emergency letting outside of the scheme.We will include this information in the feedback reports. If this happens to a home you have bid forthen we apologise for the inconvenience caused.Page 26 | Kent Homechoice Scheme User Guide

Your housing optionsMost people will not get the opportunity torent accommodation with a council or housingassociation. There are many more people lookingfor homes than homes that become empty andavailable for letting. Therefore, you may need toconsider alternative solutions to your housingdifficulties. Here are some alternative housingoptions you may wish to consider.Mutual exchangeMutual exchange is available to all public sectortenants. You are a public sector tenant if your landlordis the local council or a housing association.You can move home using mutual exchange byswapping your home with that of another publicsector tenant.Kent Homechoice operates an on-line mutualexchange service that allows tenants to advertise theirhomes and search for suitable swaps. Visit our site athttp://www.exchangelocata.org.uk , where you canfind out all you need to know about arranging anexchange. You can also download application forms ifyou have found someone to swap with.Private rentedaccommodationPrivate rented accommodation caninclude lodgings, renting your own flator house or shared accommodation.Living in private rented accommodationyou will either be a tenant or a licensee.Private renting offers you the freedom tofind the type of home you require in thearea that you wish to live. You may beeligible for help with the rent paymentsthrough housing benefit.Contact your local council formore details.If you decide to go ahead, you will needto get money together for a deposit andusually one month’s rent in advance.Contact your local council for furtheradvice to see if they offer any assistancewith a deposit.For more details on mutual exchange please contactyour landlord. Remember you cannot do a mutualexchange without your landlord’s permission.HomeBuy is a government funded initiative to provide low cost, affordable homes for people to get theirfoot on the property ladder.To qualify, you must have an annual gross income of less than £60,000 (joint or single). You need todemonstrate that you cannot afford to buy a property to suit your household needs. You will also need tohave savings or access to £5,000 to cover the initial costs of buying a home.If you are interested you should apply at http://www.homebuy.co.uk, call Moat Homes Ltd on0845 359 6161 or send an email to marketing@moat.co.uk. Moat works with other housing associationsand local authorities to allocate HomeBuy to people in housing need.The market value of properties can go down as well as up. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage orany other debt secured upon it.www.kenthomechoice.org.uk | Page 27

Bid deadlineAll bids for properties must reach the Locata offices by 1:00pm Wednesday on the closingdate advertised.Need help bidding?You can ask a friend, family member or support worker to bid on your behalf. Please contactyour local council if you need help bidding or advice about the process. Bids can be madeon the internet at www.kenthomechoice.org.uk, by digital TV, by telephone, by text, bycoupon or in person at your council offices.Personalised property listIf you would like to receive a personalised property list every two weeks, posted directly toyou, you can pay a subscription fee (non refundable) of £19.00 for six months or £38.00for 12 months. Please make cheques or postal orders payable to Locata (Housing Services)Ltd and send together with your Homechoice number and mailing address to:Kent HomechoicePO Box 408RuislipHA4 4EZPlease note that the list will only show properties you can bid on. If you are not eligible forany homes during a bidding cycle you will not receive a homes list.The above subscriptions are payable for each council area. If you are registered with morethan one local authority you will need to pay the charges for each area.