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Rent bond scheme to help those in housing need in Harrogate district
DATE OF ISSUE: 18 November 2008
SCHEME TO HELP THOSE IN HOUSING DIFFICULTY
Harrogate district residents who want to 'move-on' into rented
accommodation are being offered help as Harrogate Borough Council
unveils its latest project to support those in housing
difficulty.
The council is establishing a rent bond guarantee scheme to
assist those wanting to rent property who may not have the funds to
pay the 'up front bond' necessary to secure a
tenancy. In this scheme, the council will
provide the landlord with a bond guarantee.
Councillor Jean Butterfield, Cabinet Member for Housing, is
backing this initiative. She
said: "The number of repossessions nationally is
increasing as discounted rate mortgages come to an end and the
effects of the credit crunch bite.
"We are constantly seeking ways in which we can
help. This rent bond guarantee scheme offers
landlords the chance to let properties more quickly by taking a
written guarantee from us rather than a deposit which some
prospective tenants simply can't find. Many
people can afford the rent for a property but just don't have
enough behind them to pay the bond. This scheme
therefore benefits both landlords and tenants."
The council has recently secured additional fixed term funding
of £154,000 (over two years), from a number of different
sources (Supporting People, Communities and Local Government, and
the Harrogate District Local Strategic
Partnership). This money has specifically been
secured for improving homelessness services and prevention.
More information is available from the Housing Needs Office,
Victoria Park House, 18 Victoria Avenue, Harrogate telephone 01423
556699 or email rentbondscheme@harrogate.gov.uk
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Councillor
Jean Butterfield is available for comment on 01423
770381. Further technical information is
available from Alan Jenks, Head of Housing, on 01423
556849.