To consider and comment on the draft Let’s Rent Homelessness Prevention Offer as a key policy to help the Council prevent homelessness and provide recommendations to the Executive.

The Head of Housing Solutions introduced a report that outlined the Let’s Rent Homelessness Prevention Offer to prevent homelessness. 

The draft Let’s Rent Policy outlined how the Council will help prevent homelessness, soon to become a statutory duty in April 2018.  The current position of the private rented market in Central Bedfordshire has meant that officers have had to consider new forms of assistance. 

The Council is required to provide clarity on its position and approach to support those at risk of homelessness that include secure tenancies with private landlords – some of whom are reluctant to rent to low income families.

In response Members raised some concerns that included:-

·         How officers would deal with those residents made homeless and unable to pay rent to the landlord.  In response the Head of Service advised the Council would continue to provide help and support to vulnerable residents, including help to get into training and work.

·         Tenants would receive training on the Let’s Rent service and their part in their tenancy arrangement.

RECOMMENDED the Committee

1.    Welcomes the further steps to be taken to prevent homelessness through its Let’s Rent Offer and when the operational action plan is developed to present it to the Committee.

2.    Sees in 12 months a report to show that the use of temporary accommodation has been reduced along with the financial savings made.