New roles at Wealden helps prevent homelessness

An initiative to help prevent homelessness and build partnerships between tenants and landlords has been hailed a success.

Wealden District Council has seen an improvement in its tenant satisfaction thanks to the appointment of two specific officers.

The roles of Tenancy Sustainment officer and co-ordinator was introduced into the council’s housing team to support the most vulnerable tenants in privately rented and social rented housing.

The initiative has seen an increased rate of positive relationships being formed in communities, tenants and landlords and partners to reduce legal action possible eviction, and homelessness within the Wealden district.

The service operates with a non-judgemental model of person-centred work which aims to make tenants feel heard and supported challenging tenant’s behaviours with a view to creating positive and sustainable change.

Tenants in social housing can contact their housing support officer, who will refer them to the sustainment officers and residents renting in the private sector can contact the housing team where their situation will be assessed and referred into the sustainment officer.

The council has seen a reduction in legal action against tenancy breaches which is having a positive impact on homelessness across Wealden. 

Councillor Ray Cade, portfolio holder for Housing, said, “I am very pleased to see the reduction of homelessness and issues across the district because of the tenancy engagement roles. I would like to thank the officers within the team for working positively with tenants, landlords and partners to create a better living environment for all parties involved.

“This is all about supporting the most vulnerable tenants with support being designed around their needs. We had some great feedback from residents who have been helped. It is roles and initiatives like these within the council that are vital to make changes to people’s lives for the better.”