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Help for people with housing need
Published 14.09.2007 11:23
Spelthorne Borough Council is stepping in to continue a vital housing service

Potentially homeless people in Spelthorne can rest easier now in the knowledge that Spelthorne Borough Council will continue the Rent Bond Scheme - a vital housing service previously organised by a local charity.  The Council is investing some £83K a year to continue it.

This scheme helps potentially homeless people find homes in the private sector through providing a bond in place of a deposit.  One of the biggest problems people face in finding housing in the private sector is finding the funds to raise the equivalent of two month’s rent in advance.  This scheme helps break the cycle of homelessness – by enabling people to obtain accommodation before they lose their foot on the housing ladder.

Potential tenants are matched with particular properties or landlords and they get help with practical arrangements such as claiming benefits if necessary, tenancy agreements and negotiating terms.

Spelthorne Rentstart – a charitable organisation based at Knowle Green –ran the system until this spring. It now concentrates on supporting single people and childless families which it has done for the last ten years.

The Council helped 10 households in the first three months of taking over the scheme. It anticipates that some 40 families will be helped in 2008 with a great deal of staff time spent on negotiating with landlords and matching people with suitable property.

Cllr Vivienne Leighton, Portfolio Holder for Adult and Elderly Services commented: “This scheme is very important in helping people to find suitable accommodation in the private sector. It helps both applicants and landlords, giving them both peace of mind. The scheme can help also with providing the first month’s rent in advance. The service has already been a proven success and offers a ‘seamless’ package for all parties. I am very pleased that Spelthorne Council is supporting it”.

For more information contact the communications team on 01784 444260.446297