People on the council’s housing register in Basingstoke and Deane will be able to start bidding for social rented homes again from July 2.

In line with the Government’s guidance following the Covid-19 outbreak, the council's choice based lettings bidding system Homebid was temporarily paused in March.

The first bidding cycle will run from midnight on July 2 to midnight on July 6 and resume weekly.

The council says that the July start date provides housing associations with the time to ensure the correct procedures for viewing and advertising are in place and gives applicants time to prepare for bidding to start. The council will continue to monitor the system.

Last year almost 1,000 properties were advertised to applicants who are on the council’s housing register.

Cabinet member for homes and families Cllr Tristan Robinson said: “Enabling people on the housing register to access the homes they need is a key priority for the council and we know how keen applicants have been for it to resume since lockdown in March.

“I am pleased to say that through working with partners we have now confirmed safe procedures for advertising, viewing, sign up and preparing empty properties to ensure the safety of both residents and housing association staff. The start date in July also gives all applicants fair notice to make preparations to bid. I’m delighted we are able to offer our residents this service again and help them into a new home. I’d like to thank our registered providers for the work they have done to make this happen.”