A pioneering new scheme is set to be piloted, offering council tenants cash to downsize to a smaller home.

The Underoccupation Cash Incentive Scheme will be piloted in the Queensbridge area, Hackney’s housing chief Cllr Philip Glanville has announced.

The home swap scheme was borne out of his “huge concerns” about continued cuts to benefits such as the bedroom tax leaving tenants struggling to pay rent, in contrast to those needing a bigger place.

He said: “We are helping people whose properties might now be too large to swap with a family looking for more space who are currently waiting for housing. We will be helping with removal and other costs while providing a cash incentive.”

If successful, the scheme could be rolled out across the borough.

Call 020 8356 2199 for more details.