The Government closed down its flagship service to help tenants move home. The move came four months after it cancelled the contract with Scout Solutions to redevelop the website.
The housing mobility service, which was operated under the banner Move UK by Scout Solutions, no longer operates. Communities and Local Government also closed down the LAWN mobility scheme, the seaside and country homes scheme and Homeswap. The Department is believed to be in discussions with other possible providers of online mobility services.
In a further twist in developments, it emerged that Scout Solutions has set up its own rival website, www.homeswapper.co.uk. A spokesperson is reported to have said the company was still in talks with Communities and Local Government and that it had set up its own website to fill the gap left by the demise of the government-sponsored service.
Civica plc, the software and services group focused on the public sector, announced that Civica UK Limited, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, has acquired VT Software Solutions (VTSS) from VT Group plc.
Based in Birmingham and Bristol, VTSS specialises in asset management systems and related services, in particular for social housing, local government, emergency services and defence markets.
Customers supplied include approximately 200 local authorities and housing associations, two thirds of UK police forces and the UK Ministry of Defence. It is a market leader in the areas of housing and repairs management and vehicle fleet management solutions.