Key workers in Peterborough get chance to apply for affordable housing

Housing association Cross Keys Homes (CKH) is offering key workers in Peterborough the chance to apply directly for affordable housing.

CKH is extending the invitation in recognition of the role key workers are playing during the pandemic.

If you have an annual income below £40,200 with less than £16,000 in savings, you can apply.

Claire Higgins, chief executive of CKH, said: “We’re taking a different approach to lettings now because we feel that we can work more efficiently in this way.

"There’s a housing crisis in Peterborough and we’re keen to do all we can to help ease the demand by ensuring that homes don’t stand empty longer than they need to.

"We want to make sure that the fantastic key workers living in our city also have the opportunity to benefit from the chance to find an appropriate home in this way.”

“Of course, we’re starting out in a time with additional challenges but we have taken steps to ensure the safety of our teams and our residents and will continue to follow all government advice as it is issued.”

The move comes as CKH withdraws from the existing system of affordable housing allocations administrated by Peterborough City Council, known as Choice Based Lettings.

From today (June 1), the housing association has the right to allocate 25 per cent of its vacant homes themselves, initially restricted to existing CKH residents and key workers only.