£4 million of funding designed to help council deal with the impact of cuts to housing benefit has been allocated following projections that 40,000 households could become homeless as a result of reforms with local authorities having to pick up the costs.
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith announced £190 million in April in additional support to help councils' transition to the new arrangements.
Bidders were invited to tender for £4 million of this money by proposing innovative digital projects to assist both tenants and landlords.
The successful bids are:
Cambridge City Council Cambridge City Council on behalf of the Northgate Benefits Product Group will allow up to 168 local authorities across the UK to highlight tenants who may be affected by the changes using specialist software.
North London Housing Partnership Two hubs in North London will provide monetary advice, support with rent negotiations and practical assistance to help households across six local authority areas. The initiative is led by the London Borough of Haringey in partnership with voluntary organisation Islington People’s Rights
East London Housing PartnershipA new Social Lettings Agency which will provide free services to landlords across eight local authorities in East London to avoid management costs and reduce rents, as well as support for tenants who may have to move.
London Borough of LambethThe London Borough of Lambeth, working in partnership with local voluntary groups, will launch a tenancy support service to target and support people who will be affected by housing benefit changes.
London Borough of BrentThe London Borough of Brent will be working with the voluntary sector to provide advice for Housing Benefit claimants.
Cardiff City Council A website for all of Wales run by Cardiff City Council will provide information and support for people affected by the changes to housing benefit.
Kirklees Council A new digital service which could help up to 50,000 households by matching landlords and tenants who want to rent at Local Housing Allowance rates across five local authority areas in West Yorkshire.
Bristol City Council A partnership between Bristol City Council, Bristol Credit Union, three neighbouring local authorities, the West of England Partnership and the National Landlords Association will establish services for landlords and tenants.
Association of Greater Manchester Authorities Tenants in 13 local authorities in the North West will be given help in negotiating rents as well as general money advice from the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities. Advice and support for landlords will also be provided.
Edinburgh CouncilA one-stop shop will be established with local voluntary groups to target those affected in Edinburgh.
No comments:
Post a Comment