Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is set to receive a government grant to fund innovative local projects, aimed at increasing the opportunity for swap moves amongst social housing tenants.

The project, unveiled on 27 October by the Coalition Government, is designed to increase levels of mobility in the housing sector across the country and supersede the current scheme, which restricts families hoping to swap council homes those closer to work or further afield.

The borough council is leading on the project on behalf of Herts Choice Homes and will be working with landlords of social housing across Hertfordshire. This is to facilitate Mutual Exchange, which allows residents more freedom and mobility to choose where they want to live, depending on their circumstances.

The project will allow greater ease of social housing swaps, such as an older resident living in a large home and family who might be living in an overcrowded property.

Councillor Roger Trigg, Executive Member for Housing and Community, said: “With a shortage of housing available locally, increasing mobility in housing allows residents more control in getting the type of home they need, as well as improving accessibility to better matched homes. I’m very pleased that the council will be able to help better facilitate the needs of our residents through this project.”