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Cornwall residents that are in rent arrears or currently homeless can receive a no interest loan from the Homelessness Prevention Scheme. This council run programme provide funds to help with a number of housing expenses. While most of the demand is from tenants that need immediate rental assistance as they are threatened with an eviction, the loans can also be used to pay for mortgage arrears, court fees, a deposit, or utility bills.

This scheme is available across all of Cornwall. Residents of all towns and districts, such as Devon and St Austell, can apply. Any type of funds provided to the family will need to be repaid. So if the applicant is facing other financial challenges, the local authorities will signpost the client to additional services from One Stop centres or Citizens Advice. Or other agencies may also be accessed if needed.

Information on Cornwall loans

The funds provided will be part of the Homelessness Prevention Scheme. Assistance is only for housing in the private sector, whether it is a flat or a home that a family has a mortgage on. Each application is assessed on a one off basis, with a priority on people facing eviction or the loss of their home due to being in arrears.

There are eligibility criteria that need to be met. Any cash provided is at the discretion of the council, and they can deny an application if needed. When applying, as assessment will be done by the Cornwall Housing Officer. They will need proof of income and determine if the applicant’s savings could be used to pay the rent. Or if the applicant has other sources of funds, such as from overdraft or family, then that money will need to be used before a loan is provided.

Assistance will only be provided to people if the monthly rent and other bills on home they are living in is affordable. This means that if the family will just struggle the next month or in the near future, then the council Homelessness Prevention Scheme will not be an option. Instead the Cornwall resident needs to explore long term solutions, such as applying for a housing benefit.

If found to be eligible, and an interest free loan is provided to the client, then the following conditions need to be followed. They include the following.

The money can only be used pay pay bills that the council approves. This means that tenants can get help with rent arrears or energy bills. If they need help moving into an affordable flat as their currently tenancy agreement is not sustainable, then the Cornwall loan can be used for deposits or rent in advance on a new private property. Or if not qualified, then there are emergency grants from Cornwall welfare scheme which may be an option.

Families in mortgage arrears can get help too. The money can pay for a portion of what is owed to the lender. If there are legal costs involved, then the scheme can assist with that too.

Other housing expenses can also be paid using the interest free loans. Whether a tenant or homeowner, they can use the money from Homeless Prevention Scheme for energy costs or heating bills, court fees, and any other expenses that could lead to a financial challenge.

In some cases, the Cornwall Homelessness Prevention Scheme can help an individual that is sleeping rough with moving into a home in the private sector. They need to have a source of income so they can repay the loan, and meet other criteria, but this can also be an option.

As this is a loan, the money will need to be repaid to the council. The fact it is interest free will make it easier for this to occur, but a payment arrangement still needs to be agreed to. This will involve the client agreeing to monthly installments with the Housing Officer. If the borrower were to miss a payment, then the authorities can take legal action to force the issue.

For more information on the Homeless Prevention Scheme, or other housing assistance available in Cornwall, the main office is at Carrick House, Pydar Street, Truro, Cornwall. Residents can call customer support at 0300 1234 161.