Fund To Prevent Homelessness Agreed

A £50,000 annual investment to provide a cash pot which will help tenants facing financial hardship was agreed by Redditch Borough Council.

On Monday, at a full council meeting a recommendation, to use monies from the Housing Revenue Account budget to set up a Homelessness Prevention Hardship Fund, was given the green light.

The Hardship Fund, which is set to be launched in July, will support those at risk of becoming homeless.

It will be used to provide temporary support to tenants who find themselves in difficult financial circumstances and  help individuals and families to remain in their homes while establishing financial independence.

Redditch Borough Councillor Bill Hartnett whose portfolio covers Housing, said: “Enabling and supporting our tenants to be financial independence is important but we do recognise that people can find themselves in circumstances which feel out of their control.

“This fund will help prevent families from becoming homeless and our officers will then put measures in place to secure financial stability for them going forward.”

The fund will also support tenants to maximise their benefits entitlement and also explore other income opportunities and signposting where appropriate.

Council Leader Joe Baker said: “We pledged to help support our most vulnerable residents and we are doing just that.

“This is a fresh start for Redditch Borough Council and its customers and communities who are the heart of everything we do.”