A MID Devon scheme has enabled 130 families to move to new homes to better suit their needs and avoid the Government’s ‘spare room’ subsidy.

Through a mutual exchange partnership with HomeSwapper, 65 switches have enabled tenants in social housing to search for and arrange house swaps with other social housing tenants in the UK.

A Mid Devon District Council spokesman said: “By doing this, often all in one day, we’ve avoided a potential £135,500 in void costs (the cost incurred when a property lies empty, the average cost of which is between £2,150 and £6,720.”

Cllr Ray Stanley, cabinet member for housing, said: “Mutual exchange has been a key housing option for our tenants and HomeSwapper has been central to helping them find new homes.

“Most social housing tenants have the right to exchange their homes, but the average tenant is still relatively unfamiliar with mutual exchange, so promoting this service to our tenants has become very important.”

For more information about the mutual exchange programme call 01884-255255 or email htenancy@middevon.gov.uk