Changes to HomeChoice Bristol
We’re making some changes to the digital systems we use for HomeChoice Bristol. We’re switching to a new system that will help us and our housing partners provide a better service.
No bidding from Tuesday 21 October to Tuesday 4 November
While we switch to this new system, no properties will be advertised from Tuesday 21 October until Tuesday 4 November.
The last bids accepted will be on Sunday 19 October.
What will change from Monday 27 October
From Monday 27 October, HomeChoice Bristol will be available on a new system called MyHousing.
It is important that your contact details are up to date. You must update your details on your account now.
These are the main changes on the new system:
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To access your account, you will need to have a valid e-mail address. If you don’t have an e-mail address, you should set one up now. The five most commonly used e-mail providers are Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, Apple Mail and ProtonMail.
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The printed HomeChoice newsletter will stop. If you receive the newsletter, an officer from Bristol City Council will telephone you directly to discuss how we can support you with this change.
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You won’t be able to bid on properties over the phone. You will have to bid on properties via your online account from Tuesday 4 November.
Support
Information will be available on the Bristol City Council website to help you use the new MyHousing system. This will include “how to” video guides.
You can also:
- Speak to friends or family for help
- Contact your support worker if you have one
- Call the council on 0117 922 2400
- Visit the Citizen Service Point at 100 Temple Street, BS1 6AG.
Assessment Times
We start assessing new applications, or reassessing changes made to existing applications, within 6 weeks of the application being made or updated. Currently we are starting the assessment process much earlier than the 6 week service standard. However, it can take longer for a decision and band award to be made on the application, depending upon circumstances of the application or if further information needs to be obtained.
It is likely to take far longer than this for you to be rehoused via HomeChoice Bristol, even if your application is awarded a high level of priority. Please see the hexmaps where you can search for property by size and area and be told the average wait time for an offer to be made Average waiting time - All Regions - Housing Options (homechoicebristol.co.uk)
Have your say on new vehicle dweller policy for the city
People in Bristol are being asked for their views on how the council should work with people living in vehicles across the city.
A new policy is being developed which aims to balance offering help and advice to vehicle dwellers, alongside considering the needs of the local community. It will also look to refresh the way we respond to people living in vehicles, providing a clearer process and explanation for when action will be taken.
The survey will be open until midnight on Thursday 23 October. To find out more and to give your views please visit www.bristol.gov.uk/vehicle-dwellerspolicy