Choice based lettings (CBL) is a government initiative developed to give housing applicants more choice about where they want to live. There are similar schemes which have been introduced across the country and many more being developed.

Five organisations within North Surrey have joined together to form a partnership; SEARCH MOVES. The partners are Spelthorne Borough Council, Elmbridge Borough Council, Runnymede Borough Council, A2Dominion Housing Group and Elmbridge Housing Trust.

Customer satisfaction should improve with the onset of the scheme which will enable eligible applicants to have a wider choice of homes depending availability. Properties will be advertised on the Internet and in print. There will be a percentage of properties offered across the boundaries of the three Boroughs thereby giving more geographical choice. Applicants will be invited to ‘bid’ for properties, no money will change hands and priority will be given to those applicants in most housing need and according to the length of time on the housing register.