North Lanarkshire Council has launched a scheme offering incentives to council tenants living in properties which are no longer suitable for their needs.

The incentive scheme, which opened in July this year, helps people currently under-occupying larger family homes and encourages them to consider moving to smaller properties and therefore freeing up bigger homes for other families.

Councillor Allan Stubbs, Convener of Housing, explained: "We are pleased that this initiative to help tackle under occupancy is now underway. We are trying to provide the most suitable housing for as many individuals and families as possible with the limited stock we have available.

"People downsizing to properties better suited to their needs will benefit from lower fuel bills, rents and council tax levels. We are also offering additional incentives including providing help with removal costs, awarding extra allocation points for each room under-occupied, offering financial incentives, providing things like white goods and carpeting, and providing practical assistance with removals.

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"Many tenants have already expressed a willingness and submitted applications to downsize to homes which would better suit their needs. This is a voluntary scheme and we recognise some people will not want to move from their family home. We are hoping the introduction of the scheme will provide encouragement and reassurance to others who may consider moving that practical and financial help is available to support them."

Additional practical assistance with house moving will also include:

• Assistance with packing of personal belongings and delivery to new property

• Help with removal and re-fitting of existing fixtures and fittings and decoration

• Uplift and disposal of any unwanted items, or if required provision and removal of skip facility

• Support with disconnection and re-connection of telephone/satellite dish and domestic appliances

• Mail re-direction for a period of three months and help filling out change of address forms

• Transfer of community alarm facilities.

The criteria to apply for the scheme includes it being open to tenants living in properties with three or more bedrooms; tenants downsizing to one or two bedroom homes and there being demand for those type of properties. A financial incentive of £1,500 will available and tenants interested in downsizing should contact their local housing office.