Housing applicants in Gloucester will now be able to bid for available homes via digital TV, thanks to a new link between Gloucester City Homes digital TV channel GCHTV and Gloucestershire Homeseeker.

Gloucestershire Homeseeker is the county’s choice-based letting service, which enables applicants wishing to apply for social housing to register, view available homes and bid for vacancies. Currently an internet based service, the new link will give greater accessibility to the service for applicants in the City of Gloucester who do not have internet access at home.

GCHTV is an interactive information service, which residents can access on the Sky Community Channel, Virgin Media, Nintendo Wii and mobile phone. It enables GCH tenants to get information about services and report issues 24/7. The extension to the service means that residents can now view available homes and bid for them via GCHTV using their TV controller.

GCH Communications Manager, Jenny Wyatt says:
‘I am delighted with this new development in our digital TV service. We know that a significant number of our residents do not have internet access at home and currently have to use services in libraries and other outlets. Following the digital switchover in Gloucester earlier in the year, everyone has access to digital TV and the new link will make bidding for a home much easier for our residents.’

Martin Shields, Director of Services and Neighbourhoods at Gloucester City Council said:
‘This opens up the access to bid for an affordable rented home in the City and any initiative which allows prospective tenants to find a home is a positive way forward. I am delighted that GCH has added this new service.’

For more information, please visit www.gloscityhomes.co.uk or GCTV on the Looking Local service.
ENDS
Contact:  Jenny Wyatt Head of Marketing and Communications
Tel:     01452 396559
Email: jenny.wyatt@gloscityhomes.co.uk
Web:	 www.gloscityhomes.co.uk