The district council is set to take over the management of the East Cambridgeshire housing register from November 1.

Residents looking to apply to the housing register in East Cambridgeshire will benefit from this one-stop-shop approach to addressing their housing needs.

The council offers drop-in clinics for residents needing assistance with housing, homelessness, and benefit-related advice.

These sessions, run by trained experts, provide support for housing, benefits, financial concerns, energy costs, mental health, domestic abuse, and drug and alcohol issues.

Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of the council, said: “Bringing the housing register back under the wing of the district council is all about making it as easy as possible for residents to find the right accommodation to meet their needs and giving people more choice.

“While some people will just be happy to go online and register, often the need to move house is driven by a change of circumstances, such as the loss of a job, having children or a relationship breakdown.

“This is where we can help. We can take time to sit down with residents to look at the bigger picture and perhaps help out in other areas too, such as signposting to mental health charities, reviewing benefits or helping secure rental deposits.”

Once an application has been received for the housing register, the council will prioritise applications into four different bands depending on the household circumstances and housing needs.

The drop-in sessions are run Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm at the council offices located at The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely.

Sessions are also held at Soham Library, Wednesdays 10am until midday and Littleport Library 10am until midday on Fridays.

Residents can contact the council on 01353 665555 or email housingregisterqueries@eastcambs.gov.uk.

For more information, visit the East Cambridgeshire District Council website.

The council aims to make the process as straightforward as possible for residents.