A HOUSE swap event is aiming to help council tenants in Bournemouth and Poole find the right sized property for their needs.

The mutual exchange event on Thursday is particularly useful for tenants that are deemed to be under-occupying their property and are affected by the government’s welfare reforms.

From last April, working-aged tenants living in social rented housing receive less housing benefit if they are living in homes considered too big by the government for their housing needs.

Allowances are reduced by 14 per cent for people with one extra bedroom and 25 per cent for those with two or more. The home swap event will be held between 3pm and 8pm at Kinson Community Centre, Millhams Road.

Staff from Bournemouth and Poole councils and housing associations will be on hand to advise on the exchange process, and help with moving costs.

Anyone wishing to register to attend the event can visit bournemouth.gov.uk/housing