OLDER people are to be encouraged to move out of large homes to free up space for families.

The plan will see social housing residents given a dedicated housing officer to help them downsize to a smaller and cheaper home.

And elderly tenants will even be helped with packing, moving and decorating as the Government begins measures to ensure the country’s social housing stock is used more effectively.

It is thought that 430,000 properties have two or more empty bedrooms, while a quarter of a million families live in overcrowded accommodation.

Kirklees Council was yesterday one of 50 local authorities across England to be given £150,000 towards the project.

The most successful councils have been promised a share of a £13m fund over the next four years.

Clr Peter McBride, Kirklees Cabinet member responsible for housing, said he was “delighted” they would be receiving the funding.

“It’s a resource we need as it’s a way of trying to create more homes.

“There’s a huge housing waiting list and we’re trying to, where possible, to use the capacity of the council as effectively as possible.

“Clearly we’re not telling people they have to move.

“But if people are willing and we can get the right leases for the right sizes of family it will be brilliant,” he said.

The council will be able to use the funding to employ a dedicated officer to help interested tenants find a suitable new home.

Tenants could also be offered a moving and packing service and help with decorating and repairing their new home, including putting up shelves and installing white goods.

Outlining the plan Housing Minister Grant Shapps, said: “Older people can become the victims of their own changed circumstances, as the homes they have lived in for years become places to endure, not enjoy.

“As children grow up and fly the nest, these tenants can often find themselves trapped in larger family homes that no longer meet their needs.

“That’s why I’m giving these residents the chance to start a new life in a new home that better meet their changing needs.

“With a quarter of a million families in overcrowded accommodation and 1.8million households languishing on waiting lists, this will also help unlock larger family homes that are in such high demand.”