PROPOSALS to give Waverley's council tenants greater choice in where they live are being supported by borough councillors.
Members of Waverley Borough Council met last week to discuss the proposals to introduce the choice-based letting system.
At the meeting, councillors heard the radical new scheme gives applicants a possible two options for choosing their home.
Under the first option, applicants would be sent several offers of accomodation from which to choose.
The second option allows several applicants to express an interest in a specific property, with priority being given to the applicant with the most urgent need for housing.
Portfolio holder for housing and community welfare Dr Genny Lane commented at the meeting: "I believe it is right for us to examine other local authorities - similar to our own, which are testing choice-based lettings. This will mean we can learn lessons from them."
Dr Lane added: "A system which puts people first and treats them as customers is to be welcomed."
But concern was expressed by leader of the council and councillor for Hindhead, David Harmer, who urged councillors not to raise public expectations too high.
Mr Harmer said: "I would like to support the choice-based letting proposals but the first law of economics states choice requires surplus. In Waverley there is a very limited degree of choice available."
An officer's report presented to the committee also mentioned the potential difficulties of providing tenants with choices, especially in this area where demand for housing is so high.
The report said: "Sadly, for most applicants who have so far been unsuccessful in obtaining a council or housing association tenancy, new lettings systems will not create more housing opportunities, only a greater supply of homes can do that."
The committee agreed a draft of the choice-based lettings proposals should be put together by the community overview and scrutiny committee for consideration by the executive committee.