A FAIRER and easier way for people to access details and bid on social housing developed by Gloucestershire Homeseeker has proved a success.

The new website was launched two months ago and and allows anyone accessing from a smart phone or tablet to be diverted to a more simplified site.

Here they can search, view and bid for properties once they have registered their details on the website and completed an application form.

Up until recently Gloucestershire Homeseeker’s telephone bidding number was an 0800 number. However, due to a concern raised regarding call charges the telephone bidding line has been replaced by a local rate number 0300 666 6330. This means applicants will only be charged at local rate even if they are using a mobile phone to bid.

Recent figures have shown that 23 per cent of bids are being placed via a mobile device since the site was launched.

An individual can make up to three bids in a weekly cycle, which runs from Wednesday to Tuesday. Assistance is available for those without internet access at the Cotswold District Council Trinity Road Office in Cirencester or through local housing associations.

Councillor Sue Jepson, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “Searching for affordable housing can be daunting, so I’m pleased to see that the Council’s Gloucestershire Homeseeker partnership is continuing to find new ways of making the process easier.”