Housing partnership’s success in helping the homeless

A partnership to bring more rental homes into use for people facing homelessness has proved a resounding success during its first 12 months.

South Kesteven District Council has been working with Living Concepts during the past year to support some of the most vulnerable people within the district.

During their working relationship, SKDC and Living Concepts have successfully housed 20 people and continue to explore further opportunities together.

SKDC hopes more private landlords will recognise the benefits such a partnership can bring and is ready to speak to others to explain how to work within this framework.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Robert Reid, said: “The tenants receive ongoing support from our Change4Lincs outreach service with regular visits from Tenancy Officers who also work to resolve any issues that may arise.

“For the private social landlords, working so closely with SKDC takes some of the pressure off and clearly, having even more on board as accommodation providers would be welcome news.

“The Council can support private landlords by using its links to all the latest legal advice, property inspection work and our ability to provide tenancy advice quickly and efficiently.

“We are pleased to have struck up this partnership with Living Concepts and look forward to working with them to promote sustainable tenancies in the future.”

Living Concepts Chief Executive Oliver Reid said: “We have not only provided immediate homeless relief to those currently experiencing or facing rough sleeping but continue to support SKDC, Charity Partners and Homeless Organisations in providing vital follow-on accommodation.

“This has begun to restore the flow of tenants from immediate temporary accommodation into long term sustainable housing.

“Living Concepts is happy to work with more district councils and provide a wider range of services across the county in collaboration with other partners and organisations. A value-centric and agile Private Rented Sector can clearly provide a long-term sustainable solution to homelessness.”