Couple sitting down

£65m council support package for vulnerable renters

Vulnerable renters struggling due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic will be helped by a £65m support package announced by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

The funding will be given to councils in England to support low-income earners in rent arrears, helping to prevent homelessness and support families get back on their feet.

Renters across the country have been protected throughout the pandemic because of government action, including a ban on evictions and a £400bn support package for the economy.

The extra funding comes on top of the £500m Household Support Fund, which was announced by the government in September and is helping vulnerable households across the country with the cost of food, energy, water and other essentials.

Commenting, Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, Eddie Hughes said:

“We have taken action throughout the pandemic to support the most vulnerable families and it is vital we continue to provide support as we enter the winter months.

“This new funding will support families that are struggling and help to get them back on their feet as we begin to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The £65m will be available through the winter months and households at risk of eviction or homelessness should contact their local council if they require support.

The fund recognises the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on households in the private rented sector with the lowest income.

This year, the government has provided £310m to councils through the Homelessness Prevention Grant and this funding will increase that grant by a further £65m this year.

£140m is also available through Discretionary Housing Payments, which can also be used to prevent evictions and help people find a new home.

The £500m Household Support Fund provides £421m to help vulnerable people in England, with the devolved administrations receiving almost £80m.

Funding is primarily being used to support households with the cost of essentials, although councils have the flexibility to best address local needs, with at least 50% of the funding reserved for households with children.

It is for local authorities to determine the best way to support each household on a case-by-case basis and any payment is likely to be paid directly to the existing landlord, or a new landlord if the money is being used to support a household to find a new home.

The government said they are grateful to landlords for their support and that the funding will mean more of them will be able to reach agreements with existing tenants.

Public Sector Executive, Feb/March, Cover

PSE Feb/March, 23

Greater choice, greater results

Our February/March 2023 edition of PSE brings you expert comment and analysis on a range of key public sector topics, from EV infrastructure to Digital transformation and reducing carbon emissions. Learn how the UK Government is investing in highway and freight innovation or read Cllr Matthew Hicks discuss the first step towards an exciting future for Suffolk, alongside so much more…

Videos...

View all videos
#PSE365: Public Sector Decarbonisation

Be A Part Of It!

PSE365: Public Sector Decarbonisation Virtual Event | 21 Mar 2023

PSE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of public sector services. 

Over 365 days you’ll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

Industry Survey

What are the biggest issues facing the Public Sector?

 Public Sector Executive is undergoing some in-depth research around the issues the Public Sector is facing and the importance of deploying and using new technology within Public Sector organisations. 

We are asking for your help to better understand how public sector organisations are utilising technology to support their digital strategy and your opinion on what the biggest issues facing the public sector are.

This survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete and to thank you for your time and for filling out our survey, we'll enter you into a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher.

In order to assist public sector organisations with improving their existing technology estate, we hope to leverage our findings to share best practises and innovations across the public sector.

More articles...

View all