Key Worker Programme

Hello all,

I am most likely moving to London in the very near future to begin my career in Social Work.  In some of the promotional materials I have received from various boroughs has mentioned the Key Worker Programme.

My question is, does anyone here participate in the programme?  The section I am most interested in is the intermediate renting.  It seems from the website that this programme is available to Social Workers, Teachers, Nurses, etc.

Here are links to the info:
http://www.keyworkerliving.co.uk/
http://www.direct.gov.uk/HomeAndCommunity/BuyingAndSellingYourHome/HomeBuyingSchemes/BuyingSchemesArticles/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4001345&chk=RM9Qsx

Thank you so much for all your help,
Josh

I'd like to bring up this topic again. I will be relocating from US/GA in the next 3 mos to work in Merton as Social Work qualifying as a key worker. I'm hoping to initiate applying for shared ownership through Key worker living scheme. However, I'm finding it difficult knowing where to start. I have as of this evening emailed a zone agent with Tower Homes. Any other suggestions? Have others tried and succeeded while in process of relocating to London? Tell me how...Thanks!

Can we keep this thread going if anyone finds out more information on this topic? There are many of us in the same field in different parts of London.

Sooz have you heard back from the agent yet?

Thanks!

Don't want to take this off topic, but I'm amazed at the number of Social Workers going over from the States!! 
Good luck to you all!!

~Liza

I'd like to bring up this topic again. I will be relocating from US/GA in the next 3 mos to work in Merton as Social Work qualifying as a key worker. I'm hoping to initiate applying for shared ownership through Key worker living scheme. However, I'm finding it difficult knowing where to start. I have as of this evening emailed a zone agent with Tower Homes. Any other suggestions? Have others tried and succeeded while in process of relocating to London? Tell me how...Thanks!

It is my understanding that you must have ILR to apply for shared ownership. I think that you have only a work permit visa you are only eligible for the intermediate rent scheme. Please let me know if anyone has different info. and good luck with your search for a new home.

Liz

LOCAL AUTHORITY SOCIAL WORKERS

If you work as a Social worker for a Local Authority you must:

have indefinite leave either to enter or to remain in the UK (excluding key workers from member states of the EU/EEA) in cases where they are buying a home
be unable to buy a home suitable for their household needs within a reasonable travel to work area of their employment
have a household income that does not exceed £60K
sell your existing property if they are trading up
only fully qualified social workers who have attained the recognised professional Social Worker degree/diploma are entitled. Unqualified social workers, those undergoing initial training and other staff employed in Social Services Departments (other than Occupational Therapists and educational psychologists) are not eligible


that's what it sounds like to me too...

...okay here a question and forgive the polical incorrectness of it but it has to be said... most, if not all, of these housing complexes are open for Key Workers, council housing tenants and those on housing waiting lists... so I am curious who would be my "neighbours" so to speak. It's a fair question, so I hope no one jumps down my throat about how this could happen anywhere and not only in this type of setup... that's the point, as a social worker I have seen these types of complexes in the US. Plus this is all hypothetical until I see the units themselves and decide if it is best for me or not. They are all over greater London so I don't mean to stereotype. Just a consideration I will be taking highly.

FYI... some complexes rent exclusively to Key Workers I discovered

I have completed my application for intermediate rent housing and am waiting to hear back. I'm not sure if they'll accept the app this early since I won't be there until January. I'll let everyone know.

Joshua, it's sounds like a good program as long as you remember that you need to see the place and the neighborhood first. Some of them are ex-council flats (Americans, read housing projects) but not all. Some are open to council housing tenants and some are only open to Key Worker's. You just have to check them out.

LOCAL AUTHORITY SOCIAL WORKERS

...okay here a question and forgive the polical incorrectness of it but it has to be said... most, if not all, of these housing complexes are open for Key Workers, council housing tenants and those on housing waiting lists... so I am curious who would be my "neighbours" so to speak. It's a fair question, so I hope no one jumps down my throat about how this could happen anywhere and not only in this type of setup... that's the point, as a social worker I have seen these types of complexes in the US. Plus this is all hypothetical until I see the units themselves and decide if it is best for me or not. They are all over greater London so I don't mean to stereotype. Just a consideration I will be taking highly.

Jennifer, it's a fair question. As a social worker, I don't want to live in the same complex as the families I support, especially in child protection. I also don't think that anyone should "jump down your throat" as subsidized housing areas in the US are often unsafe, crime-ridden communities even in samll towns like here (Hicksville, NC).

I'll post findings as they come in. Good luck to everyone!

FYI... some complexes rent exclusively to Key Workers I discovered

I was typing my post as you posted this!

thanks Paula  I knew you would understand! I didn't want to offend anyone who is living or knows of people in this type of set up.

I'm in key worker housing and it's nothing like council housing. No worries there. 

And yes, you must have ILR first in order to qualify for anything other than rent subsidies. 

Hi Kristi,

Do you mind explaining the process you went through to secure housing this way? What there a long wait? Was it easy to navigate? What information did they want from you?

Thanks!

My situation is a bit different because I'm a teacher, not a social worker.   My school told me they had a room available in a cottage that could be temporary or long-term accomodation, if I needed it.  I said I did as my lease was up at my flat in London and I needed to move out to Essex.  The property is managed by another school in our town but owned by the council.  We live on the estate of a manor house in the old caretaker's cottage.  There was no wait and it was just like renting any other accomodation.  All they asked for was a deposit and first month's rent. 

Ask your employer to help you find housing.  They will be able to tell you who the estate agent is in your area who deals with key worker housing.  There is a designated agent for your council or county who can help you get sorted. 

And to clarify some of the things said in this thread.. council housing doesn't necessarily mean huge blocks of flats that are crime-ridden and filthy.  Some councils have proper houses, terraced or semi-detached.  It really depends on where you end up settling.  Lots of people live in council housing, so be careful or you might find yourself accidentally insulting a co-worker. 

council housing doesn't necessarily mean huge blocks of flats that are crime-ridden and filthy.  Some councils have proper houses, terraced or semi-detached.  It really depends on where you end up settling.  Lots of people live in council housing, so be careful or you might find yourself accidentally insulting a co-worker. 

Yup - I ended up living last year in an ex-council flat.  It was lovely...small block of flats with big rooms and lots of storage...very well kept up and in a wonderful & posh neighborhood.  Ya never know!

Thanks, Kristi and onetiger. We are operating on limited knowledge so your input is valued. I'm aware that what looks good online may not live up to expectations so any first hand experience is helpful.