Homelessness and Homelessness Prevention

Preventing homelessness is our priority and we can offer help whatever the reason:

• Asked to leave by family or friends
• Notice received from landlord
• Rent arrears
• Mortgage repossession
• Any other reason which threatens homelessness

Circumstances

Asked to leave by family or friends:

• I will arrange a visit to the family home or friends home to discuss the reason/s why the person threatened with homelessness has been asked to leave.  Try and find compromises and reduce any problems.
• Negotiate an extension of the time the person is allowed to stay and within that time help find alternative accommodation.

If the person has a priority need, and cooling off period is all that is needed, an offer of temporary accommodation will be made by the Council whilst the situation/dispute is being resolved.

In the future we hope to offer a mediation service which will be offered to both the applicant and their parent/s.

Notice received from landlord.

I will endeavour to speak with the applicant's landlord and establish why notice has been served and asked to leave.  It may be possible to solve any difficulties and allow the tenant to remain in the property.

• Advise about the validity of the notice.
• Speak to Housing Benefit Department if there is a delay in payment.

Rent Arrears 

Advise applicants that whatever their debts to other sources, any difficulties experienced in paying rent should be seen as a priority.

I will liaise with the letting agents/landlords on behalf of the applicant to arrange an agreed payment plan to pay off the arrears.

If the applicant has a priority need the Council may consider giving financial assistance to pay off the rent arrears, depending on the amount and the circumstances as to why the applicant has accrued rent arrears.  It will be a type of loan that the applicant will have to pay back at an agreed rate.  This will only be offered if the landlord will allow the tenant to remain in the property for at least six months.
 
Speak with Housing Benefit Department about the applicant's claim and support a discretionary housing payment application.

Referral will be made to the Citizens Advice Bureau where specialist advisors will give relevant advice in relation to debts and negotiate with the lenders.

Mortgage arrears

Advice relating to the threat of homelessness due to mortgage arrears referrals are made to the relevant agencies that will be able to give expert advice.

Leaflets and basic advice will be given to the applicant.

Applicant will be advised that mortgage payments are a priority debt and must be paid.

Housing Solutions

Identify the best solution for the applicant.
 
Maintain tenancy

Remain living with family or friends

Make a referral to Ceredigion Care Society so applicant can access the bond scheme should they qualify

Ensure the applicant has a joint housing application form in which Ceredigion County Council and Tai Cantref.

Sanctuary Scheme (possible development)
 
Complete housing application forms for Housing Associations.

Apply for Discretionary Housing payments.

Source alternative accommodation.

Please contact:
Homeless Prevention Officer
Environmental Services and Housing Department
Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion
Penmorfa
Aberaeron
Ceredigion
SA46 0PA

Tel: 01545 574134           
e-mail: housing@ceredigion.gov.uk