Current Activity
Since the Homemovers Team was launched in 2004 we have helped relocate over 470 private sector residents, the majority from redevelopment schemes in Rock Ferry (Fiveways), Tranmere (Church Road), Egremont (Royston/Woodhall) and Birkenhead North areas (Station/Tyrer). Although some residents remain in these areas assistance is ongoing and it is hoped all will find new or suitable alternative accommodation in the near future. In addition to re-housing residents located in regeneration areas the service has been developed over time to provide free advice on debt and housing matters and also assistance for first time buyers looking to buy a house in the Housing Market Renewal Area. In addition, officers are also involved in an innovative initiative loaning free energy monitors to households wishing to save energy and reduce both their bills and carbon footprint.

Latest Regeneration Scheme
The team has recently started working in Birkenhead North - Milner, Carrington & Rundle Street area. In April 2008, the Councils Cabinet agreed to demolish houses in this area ready for residential redevelopment and the team are now working with a number of residents in an effort to relocate them into suitable alternative accommodation. On 14th May 2008 the Council held a "drop in" event at the Live Wirral Community house, 2/4 Laird Street and a number of residents who hadn't previously contacted the council attended and took advantage of the advice available. The team also took the opportunity to consult potential service users about the existing service standards and this research established that they were happy with the current standards.

Climate Change Energy Monitor Pilot - Update
The monitors have now been distributed and the research is now ongoing. Initial feedback has been very positive with participants keen to try out the monitors and reduce energy consumption.

Service Development - mobile internet
The team are currently looking into the possibility of using a laptop to assist people in finding alternative accommodation. The idea being that residents will be able to access local estate agents via their websites and view properties on the open market, all from the comfort of their own homes ! This facility should be very helpful to those residents unable to visit the estate agents in person.

Performance
A recent review of letter / email response times has shown that the team is meeting the service standard of replying within 15 working days. On-going monitoring will be maintained. It is proposed to develop a "performance area" for the website to keep everyone up to date on the performance of the service.