EdIndex, Scotland’s largest choice based letting system for social housing celebrated its tenth anniversary yesterday (Monday 11 November).
The system was introduced in 2003 by the City of Edinburgh Council to allow people the chance to bid for social housing, while providing greater choice when applying for homes. EdIndex was used to replace a complex system that involved numerous applications to individual landlords, by providing access to 23 housing associations and co-operatives throughout the city, through one single application.
Since it’s creation, more than 32,000 people have been housed in Edinburgh through EdIndex. Over 3.6 million bids have been received over the last ten years, including people going into social housing for the first time and existing tenants looking to move home.
The system is designed to be as accessible and flexible as possible and bids can be made online, in person, by email, letter or telephone. When homes become available they are advertised online and in the weekly publication ‘EH – Your Key to Choice’, to help applicants choose the most suitable property for them.
Housing Leader Councillor Cammy Day, said: “This marks an important milestone for EdIndex, which represents a modern, user-friendly system that puts choice at the heart of bidding for social housing. As the number of applications continues to increase, it is more important than ever that we have an easy to use process that is fair for all applicants. Over the years, EdIndex has gone from strength to strength and has been adopted by a number of other organisations across Scotland, demonstrating its value and success.”
Demand for social and affordable housing in the capital continues to increase and an average of 946 people are registered on EdIndex every month. Applicants are prioritised depending on their housing need. Applicants’ points increase the longer they are registered on the system.
