May 26th, 2021
The end of furlough, drop in casual vacancies and increase in unemployment - all of which are connected with the pandemic - has placed many people in private housing under financial pressure.
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Support for Renters at Risk of Homelessness Stepped Up
Proactive support for tenants who may face homelessness due to a “perfect storm” of COVID-related issues is being offered by Adur & Worthing Councils.The end of furlough, drop in casual vacancies and increase in unemployment - all of which are connected with the pandemic - has placed many people in private housing under financial pressure.
Combined with the government’s ban on evictions coming to an end on May 31, there is concern that the next few months will see a large increase in the number of people requiring homelessness support and advice.
The Councils are taking a range of proactive measures to help those affected remain in their homes, which includes offering a range of advice and support to keep those at risk in settled tenancies.
Teams are also encouraging landlords and letting agents to complete a county-wide survey, which will help establish a detailed picture of the situation in the local area and prioritise support where it is most needed. To take part, visit the following link.
Cllr Carson Albury, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Customer Services, which includes housing, said: “COVID-19 has affected everyone within our communities with many facing additional health and financial pressures as a result of lockdown restrictions.
“With a “‘perfect storm’ on the horizon it is important that we take proactive steps to ensure this does not result in large numbers losing their homes in the next few months.”
Cllr Heather Mercer, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Customer Services, which includes housing, said: “Our primary aim is always to help tenants and landlords make tenancies work, as this gives individuals and families foundations to build their lives around.
“However, we realise that in some occasions this may not be possible which is why we are prioritising work to ensure we provide a safety net to support those at risk of homelessness into alternative long-term accommodation.”
The Councils’ teams have a range of options to support tenants and landlords. This includes helping maximising income, minimising void rent periods and supporting with arrears or court costs.
Landlords are also able to sign up to the Councils’ innovative Opening Doors scheme, which offers a comprehensive letting service including financial security, legal assistance and landlord support - and all for free.
Anyone at risk of homelessness is encouraged to contact the team via 01903 221063 or visiting www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/housing/advice/.
The Councils are taking a range of proactive measures to help those affected remain in their homes, which includes offering a range of advice and support to keep those at risk in settled tenancies.
Teams are also encouraging landlords and letting agents to complete a county-wide survey, which will help establish a detailed picture of the situation in the local area and prioritise support where it is most needed. To take part, visit the following link.
Cllr Carson Albury, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Customer Services, which includes housing, said: “COVID-19 has affected everyone within our communities with many facing additional health and financial pressures as a result of lockdown restrictions.
“With a “‘perfect storm’ on the horizon it is important that we take proactive steps to ensure this does not result in large numbers losing their homes in the next few months.”
Cllr Heather Mercer, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Customer Services, which includes housing, said: “Our primary aim is always to help tenants and landlords make tenancies work, as this gives individuals and families foundations to build their lives around.
“However, we realise that in some occasions this may not be possible which is why we are prioritising work to ensure we provide a safety net to support those at risk of homelessness into alternative long-term accommodation.”
The Councils’ teams have a range of options to support tenants and landlords. This includes helping maximising income, minimising void rent periods and supporting with arrears or court costs.
Landlords are also able to sign up to the Councils’ innovative Opening Doors scheme, which offers a comprehensive letting service including financial security, legal assistance and landlord support - and all for free.
Anyone at risk of homelessness is encouraged to contact the team via 01903 221063 or visiting www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/housing/advice/.
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