A key worker is any person who directly provides services that are essential for the balanced and sustainable development of the local community and local economy, where recruitment or retention difficulties apply. This includes people who are teachers, nurses, other public sector and public service workers and employees of businesses considered vital to sustaining the economic area.

If you work in any other area list below you may be defined as key workers for the purposes of applying for key worker housing schemes via Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. Please note that your employment must be within the Borough. In addition, there are certain conditions that must be met. These are also listed below.

Employment areas:

National Health Service, Education, Police Service, Fire Service, Probation Service
In addition, the Council may consider applicants working in other public or voluntary sector organisations or private companies/businesses that are essential to the local community or the economic life of the Borough. However, the sectors listed above will receive priority.

Conditions for applicants

 
You Must:

• work directly for a public service organisation, or for a long-term contractor of the organisation (long-term meaning having a contract of 5 years or more). You must not be agency staff
• have worked for your employer for a minimum of 12 months
• be employed on a permanent basis, and work a minimum of 24 hours per week
• be unable to buy a home suitable for your household needs within reasonable travelling distance to your work area
• be of settled status or have indefinite leave to remain in the UK
• have a household income not exceeding £60,000 per annum
• be a first-time buyer or existing home owner who needs a larger home to meet your household needs
• Sell your existing property if you own one

If you are considered to be a key worker then priority may be given for certain social rented or new build shared ownership schemes. In order to apply you will need to complete a Housing Needs Register and Low Cost Home Ownership application form which will then be assessed to see whether you meet Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Key worker criteria. 

Your can request a Housing Needs Register and Low Cost Home Ownership application form from Housing Services on 01372 732428 or you can print off and return the application form listed below. If you use this option please read the leaflet called Housing Needs Register and Allocation Policy Summary before completing the form.

Housing Needs Register and Low Cost Home Ownership application form (PDF Version)

Housing Needs Register and Allocation Policy Summary (PDF Version)

If you have any queries, need a form or help in completing the form, then please telephone 01372 732428.

Further information on Low Cost Home Ownership

Epsom and Ewell’s definition, as laid out above, is a little different to the Government’s ‘Key Worker Living’ scheme, which is operated by Thames Valley Housing Association across Surrey and which you can also apply to.

Key Worker Living Scheme

Key Worker Living is a scheme introduced by the Government from 1st April 2004 for key workers.  Key Worker Living is targeted at three public service areas: health, education and safety in the community, and offers three types of assistance for specific professions in the named sectors (and one additional option for some London teachers).

The type of help available is:

Key Worker Homebuy

Key Worker Homebuy is a scheme that offers equity loans to help key workers buy a home on the open market.

Key Worker Shared Ownership

Key Worker Shared Ownership is available on new homes built by Housing Associations as and when they become available. You buy at least 25% of the home and pay a reduced rent on the remaining share.

Key Worker Intermediate Renting

Key Worker Intermediate Renting is available through housing associations. Intermediate renting' is where the rent is set at a level between that charged by social and private landlords. Key Worker Intermediate Renting, when available, will be displayed on the Property Search page.

To apply for assistance under the Key Worker Living scheme, applicants must apply directly to the appointed ‘zone agent’ for Surrey, which is Thames Valley Housing Association. They can be contacted by telephone on 0845 600 6699 or via the Housing Options website. This scheme is operated independently of the Council and is based on Government criteria and conditions. Further information can also be found on the Department for Communities and Local Government website.