Perth and Kinross Council is to hold its first Home Exchange event.

The exchange is being held as a drop-in event and could provide residents who rent a home from the Council or other local housing association to find their perfect 'swap'.

If tenants register in advance for the event, this will allow details of all the prospective 'swaps' to be displayed and shared during the exchange, so even if someone isn't available at the same time as their perfect swap, they'll be able to find out about the property and get contact details to arrange an exchange.

As well as information about properties available for exchange, the event will also feature a number of stalls providing advice and assistance on a number of topics which might affect the decision to move. This includes Welfare Rights, Neighbourhood Services, Anti-Social Behaviour and Trading Standards.

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Housing and Health Convener, Councillor Dave Doogan, said: "People's lives don't stand still and we know that there are many Council tenants living locally who are no longer in the right sized accommodation for them. This could be because family have grown up and moved into homes of their own, or because households need more room as new babies are born.

"With the impact of Welfare Reform meaning that people receiving Housing Benefit have their benefit reduced if they don't need all of the bedrooms in their home, and the long waiting lists for affordable family-sized accommodation, it is more important than ever that we make best use of all of the properties available to us. The Home Exchange 'Swap Shop' is a great way to bring together as many people as possible looking for a smaller or bigger home, and try and help put them in touch with other people who are looking for a swap."

The exchange will take place on Wednesday 7 August between 3pm and 7pm at the Salutation Hotel, South Street, Perth.

Residents can register their interest in an exchange for their property by contacting any Area Housing Team, or by emailing [email protected].

(JP/CD)