Deposit guarantee scheme from South Ribble churches in Lancashire

Partnering with the South Ribble Borough, churches in the area assist homeless individuals, people on a low income, and those that are struggling. The aim is to get the person into a new, affordable property and the deposit scheme is used to help make this happen.

All aid is provided as a form of charity service and it relies on other organisations, such as the Housing Advice Service centres and the council. Applicants will need to have a referral from the local housing authority in order to apply.

The Council in South Ribble Borough funds the Guarantee Scheme. It is provided by the churches though, and they assist those who are in need of housing. The aid is to get the client into a private rented sector flat. Often the challenge is on paying the rent in advance or maybe the deposit on the new accommodation, and this is what the bond scheme can help cover.

As part of the application process, and intake and assessment will need to occur. There will be interviews done and a review of the person’s financial situation. The applicant needs to be faced with homelessness, have little or no savings, be homeless now, and also aged 20 and over. Evidence is needed of the hardship.

Funding for any deposit assistance is limited. So not everyone will be able to receive a bond. Trustees that work with the churches in South Ribble will make the financial decisions on how can qualify for the scheme.

If eligible, up to four weeks of rent, or fund for a security deposit, will be provided to the landlord on behalf of the tenant. It will help cover any expenses such as normal wear and tear to the flat. Or a portion of the bond may be used for any rent that is due to the landlord at the end of the tenant residency.

Landlords in the South Ribble region need to agree to participate. If so, and for someone that is accepted into the scheme, they will get help in locating a suitable property as well. Members of the church or council will assist with this. The scheme will not recommend tenants, landlords or properties to use.

After an accommodation is selected, the council will need to arrange to visit the property with both the landlord and the prospective tenant. They will also complete an inventory of the property which will record the condition of the fittings, fixtures, and more on the property. It needs to also be affordable and located in the South Ribble region.

After all of this has been done, and any improvements made, a final inspection of the property will also take place, and of course it will need to meet all standards in place. Once passed, the tenant can sign the tenancy agreement, with a representative from the church on site if need be.

Only after all of this has been done will the church issue the bond to pay for the deposit. A certificate will also be provided to show that it has been issued. Ongoing tenancy support may be provided. This will done to prevent future homelessness. The local council can help arrange this.

The address of the programme, as well as other housing services, is South Ribble BC, Civic Offices, West paddock, Leyland, PR25 1DH. Call 01772 625371