Derbyshire lettings partnership has launched their enhanced housing options service, this new and innovative service is based upon a series of discreet computer modules provided by Sector. The modules making up the enhanced housing options service are; the Homelessness Prevention and Advice system, the Private Sector Landlord system, the Supported Service and Worklessness system and the Mutual Exchange system.

These modules are also being used to promote affordable housing opportunities across the sub region. The thing which differentiates Derbyshire’s enhanced housing options service is the Targeted Housing Options (THO) solution which provides a tailored and bespoke set of housing options for each applicant. This system does this by assessing the applicant’s circumstances when they log onto the system and then promoting the appropriate options to meet their individual requirements. For example shared ownership opportunities will be promoted and highlighted to applicants who have a reasonable income and stable career history. Conversely new training opportunities will be highlighted to applicants who have a long history of worklessness. As such the THO solution offers a substantial leap ahead from the ‘one size fits all’ approach generally offered to applicants for social housing.