Lib Dems welcome support for Locata reform proposals

12.00.00am GMT Sun 22nd Feb 2009

Local campaigners Cllr Andrew Dakers, Dinti Batstone and Mona Naqvi surfing Locata website (photography: Andrew Dakers)

Lib Dem campaigners Cllr Andrew Dakers, Dinti Batstone and Mona Naqvi welcome support from Hounslow Council's Executive for proposals first advanced by the Liberal Democrats in 2007 for auto-bidding on the Locata housing allocation system. If a pilot for the system proposed by a cross-party Scrutiny group is successful, as auto-bidding has been elsewhere, it will help vulnerable applicant groups such as the elderly, individuals with language difficulties, or those with limited internet access, ensure they do not miss out on housing bids on Locata. The Lib Dem campaigners are now calling on the Council to set a date for the pilot to go live to reduce further stress for applicants.

Cllr Dakers, Leader of Hounslow Liberal Democrats, said:

"Currently housing applicants search Locata through the magazine or on the website and place bids manually when they spot suitable properties. With the introduction of auto-bidding system applicants requirements set in the database in advance and matched against properties as they become available in the area an applicant is interested in.

"It is now vital that we get a specific date from Hounslow Council and the Locata Company as to when the pilot system will go live."

Mona Naqvi, local campaigner, added:

"We must strive to make an already distressing and difficult process for many applicants, who have been waiting a long time to move home, as simple and as easy as possible. By removing the stress of having to constantly place bids, this will improve the lives of those with limited access or other difficulties in using the Locata system.

"With an auto-bidding scheme in place on Locata, it will be far more effective in achieving fairness."