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Safe Haven Project
25th October 2007
A unique toolkit which establishes a model sub-regional leasing scheme has been put together by a leading East of England housing association in partnership with the Housing Corporation for roll out nationwide.
Private landlords with properties to let anywhere in the UK are being urged to take advantage of this pioneering new scheme to provide people in temporary accommodation or on housing waiting lists with longer-term tenancies.
The blueprint scheme, known as the Safe Haven scheme, also addresses the present uncertainty in the lettings market because of an over supply of rented accommodation in many areas. It will provide a guaranteed income and rental period.
The project has been jointly funded by leading Colchester-based Colne Housing and the Housing Corporation working with landlords and local authorities. Among the advantages of the new scheme is that it minimises the financial and other risks that have been a barrier to successful promotion of previous schemes.
The toolkit is available as a CD-rom from Colne Housing on (01206) 244700 or via the Safe Haven website, www.safehavenproject.org.uk. Landlords can contact Colne’s Business and Commercial Manager Richard Jones from further information.
The CD toolkit provides legal, financial, marketing and risk management materials allowing the project to be rolled out regionally and nationally. It will thus help to inform the Housing Corporation’s future investment strategies.
Mark Powell Davies, Colne Housing’s Chief Executive, said: “At a time when the lettings market is facing a great deal of uncertainty, with over supply of rented accommodation in many areas, we will provide a guaranteed income and rental period.
“We will also undertake all necessary repairs and maintenance and co-ordinate the legalities and logistics between local authorities and landlords. It’s a win-win situation all round.”
The scheme works by offering the chance for owners of empty properties to provide the homes; the housing association provides the housing management and takes care of day-to-day repairs and maintenance,
Colne housing’s Business and Commercial Manager Richard Jones says: “It’s recognised that accommodation in the private rented sector is a valuable resource, and private sector leasing offers another housing option to those seeking accommodation.
Private sector leasing enables individual landlords to manage their stock and we want to work with private landlords and LA’s to offer a real alternative.”
The Safe Haven Project has been a year in development with Colne Housing working with councils including Babergh, Braintree, Colchester, Ipswich, Maldon, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk Coastal and Tendring, as well as the Housing Corporation.
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