The scheme is similar to those used by Councils throughout England (each having slightly different variations). They all have the basic aim of offering people living in social rented housing a financial incentive to move to accommodation where they occupy a property that is larger than their needs. The Council provides a financial incentive to encourage them to move and often the landlord Housing Association makes a contribution also.

There is normally a set amount payable plus an additional amount per bedroom.

The intention is to ensure that larger affordable properties are not under occupied and, therefore, that the affordable housing stock in a Council's area is used as efficiently as possible. The average house price quoted in the article for a property in South Hams shows the difficulty local people are faced with when looking to find a home.

This affordability gap is mirrored throughout the South West. The Chartered Institute of Housing for the South West has recently reported that only 35% of working households can afford to buy a home in the area and the situation is worse for young people, where only 21% of people under 40 can afford to buy.