BBC News reports that the Government's flexible social housing scheme has moved into the Medway area. Social housing residents in Medway are to be given a say on which houses and locations they wish to live in, following the growth of a lettings scheme.

Kent Homechoice, the social housing scheme that operates with district councils and housing associations across the county, is set to be extended into the popular Medway area with the aid of a £50,000 Government grant. It is hoped that the scheme, which has been running since 2008, will bring more social housing jobs to an area which is undergoing rapid urban regeneration.

Regeneration schemes in the area include the Medway Waterfront Renaissance Strategy which is a 20 year plan to redevelop seven miles of waterfront, generating 8,000 homes and approximately 8,500 jobs in the housing sector.

Registered social housing applicants in Medway are now able to find houses through the internet and digital television advertisements. This new scheme has gone down well with councillors and MP's alike.

Zita Wiltshire, a Kent Councillor said: ''Before Kent Homechoice was introduced, people were allocated homes depending on their needs, the preferences they gave and the suitability of accommodation. Now applicants, including homeless families, are free to choose what homes they want to be considered for and where''.

Housing Minister, John Healey commented on the Medway project, stating ''Local authorities have another tool to manage their waiting lists more effectively, by ensuring each home is matched to tenants more suited to the property''.

This scheme is sure to be welcomed by Kent residents, who will have increased freedom in deciding where they want to call 'home'.