Three Welsh Schemes Praised In Homelessness Fight

Three Welsh schemes for helping tackle homelessness were highlighted at a national conference in London earlier this week. Paul Webb, from the Welsh Assembly’s housing strategy and services unit, spoke about accessing the private rented sector.

He said 60% of landlords in the private rented sector in Wales were unwilling to let to people on housing benefit.

Mr Webb highlighted ‘good practice’ in the Carmarthenshire Home Choice Scheme, Conwy Private Sector Accommodation Team and Calon Lettings.

Mr Webb said Calon Lettings was a partnership between Cardiff County Council and Cadwyn Housing Association.

He pointed out it was a lettings and property management agency which secured accommodation for homeless and potentially homeless people.

He said the scheme promoted the private sector to potential tenants and reduced the burdens while securing returns for landlords.

Mr Webb praised the initiatives to local authority and housing association representatives at the Capita fifth Bi-annual homelessness conference.

He also flagged up the Carmarthenshire Home Choice Scheme which provided 30 tenancies in its first year.

The scheme, he said, had a dedicated worker providing tenant/landlord liaison and offered a year’s free property insurance from the homelessness prevention fund.

Mr Webb also profiled the Conwy Private Sector Accommodation Team which delivers private sector leased temporary accommodation.

He said the scheme was linked to the homelessness prevention service and there were pro-active discussions between landlords and agents.