|
Monday 5th September 2005 |
326/2004 |
Help is at hand for people in Wigan who are homeless or on low incomes, and struggling to pay the deposit needed before landlords will rent them a place to live.
Housing bosses have come up with an innovative scheme offering landlords a limited guarantee that they will not be left out of pocket if the tenancy fails.
The council-backed bond scheme is being run through the Wigan Homelessness Forum and is aimed at tackling one of the main reasons why homeless people struggle to find somewhere to live.
Wigan Council's director of community protection Bob Saunders chairs the borough's Homelessness Forum. He explained:
“Private landlords often require a financial bond or deposit from residents before a tenancy can begin. For many people, this can act as a barrier to them being able to access private rented tenancies.
“Rising house prices mean many people on low incomes are no longer able to resolve their own housing situation. They cannot afford to buy a property and there is huge demand for social housing. We are seeing a big rise in the number of people coming to the council and saying they are homeless, and this is one of the reasons.
“We want to work in partnership with private landlords to encourage them to let more property to homeless people. The bond scheme provides security of payment and support for both the landlord and the tenant when accommodation is let in this way. It is sensible and beneficial for all concerned.”
The bond scheme was launched last week at the JJB Stadium with guest speakers including Wigan MP Neil Turner, Bond Scheme Worker Louise Atherton and representatives from the North West Landlords Association.
Mr Saunders said the response from the landlords was encouraging, and he was hopeful the scheme would make a big difference.
The scheme will offer bonds to private landlords in the form of a written guarantee rather than actual cash, and support will be given to both tenants and landlords to help make the tenancy a success. The landlord will be able to make a claim against the guarantee in the event of the tenant causing damage to the property.
Through a partnership with the local Unify Credit Union tenants will be encouraged to save a realistic weekly amount so that in the future they can provide their own bond to landlords. All landlords will be expected to be accredited or be working towards accreditation.
More information about the Wigan Bond Scheme is available from Louise Atherton, on (01942) 267963.
Further information: Wigan Council's press office, (01942) 827164.