Housing inspection
The housing service was inspected by the Audit Commission, whose inspectors looked at how the council is planning and building new homes for people in need and how it helps people who need housing advice or who may become homeless in Medway. The report (www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports/BVIR.asp?CategoryID) was published on June 5 2008.

Affordable housing in Medway
The housing strategy and development service aims to provide housing that meets the needs of the whole community.

Homes to rent in Medway
Medway Council provides information about getting on the register for social housing, the HomeChoice scheme and also on adapting homes for people with special needs.

The biggest provider of social housing in Medway is mhs homes, which owns and manages 7,700 properties. 3,500 more are run by local housing associations and Medway Council is responsible for 3,300 homes in Gillingham.

Money matters
You can pay rent or council tax online and you can ask to receive the forms to apply for council tax benefit, housing benefit and second adult rebate by post. If you are having problems paying the rent, please seek help as soon as possible.

Save on bills
Medway Council may be able to help you reduce heating bills help with discounted loft and cavity wall insulation or a grant, if you receive certain benefits. If you own your own home or rent from a private landlord, the Kent Energy Centre (www.kentenergycentre.org.uk) provides free independent advice on saving energy in the home.

Home owners
The government has introduced home information packs (www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk) to improve the process of buying and selling a home.

If you think you are at risk of losing your home, you can ask Medway Council or the Citizens Advice Bureau for advice and to find out about your rights.

If you are thinking of adding to your home, it is a good idea to check if you need planning permission first.

Help to remain independent and in your own home
Medway Council works with older people, people with disabilities, families and carers to provide appropriate support to help them be as independent as possible. Home care may be the answer if someone needs help getting up and going to bed, dressing, preparing meals, and maintaining basic hygiene standards.

Please let us know if you move
You can do this and inform many other organisations at the same time on this free UK change of address service (www.iammoving.com/?whitesiteurl=medway).

^ (back to top)