Alan Kenny from DWP Housing Partnership and Gary Pulman from Borough of Poole
Dorset’s biggest private landlord is backing a government-funded scheme that aims to prevent tenants losing their tenancies.
DWP Housing Partnership, which has around 3,000 tenants, says it is in everyone’s interest to keep people in their properties wherever possible.
The Housing Early Prevention Service is helping people throughout Poole and Bournemouth.
The joint Poole and Bournemouth Council initiative sends experienced outreach workers to private tenants who fear they might face losing their homes.
In more than 50 per cent of cases the scheme has so far managed to keep people where they are or aid movement to another property.
DWP Housing Partnership’s Alan Kenny said: “We are well aware that it is preferable for all parties if people can remain in their homes.
“Clearly it is good for the tenant, but it is good for the landlord to have long-term residents.
“Our own staff always try and help tenants so we were pleased when funding was secured by Bournemouth Council and Borough of Poole to further assist those who might be in difficulties.
“The main problem is that tenants don’t seek help early enough and often it is too late to maintain their tenancies.
“Sometimes tenants don’t want to lose face and they store up problems which result in a tidal wave of debt that hits all at once.
“Landlords have limited powers to help, so now if we suspect someone is struggling we can refer them straight away to the Housing Early Prevention Service.”
Gary Pulman from Borough of Poole, who is the Homelessness Partnerships Coordinator, said: “Bournemouth and Poole is one of 20 areas selected for funding to launch the service.
“It is a free of charge service for anyone aged 18 or over who is living in the private rental sector and is worried that they are at risk of losing their tenancy.
“There is a stereotyped idea about the homeless but many people are just two or three months away from being on the streets if they lose a job or their circumstances change.
“Our outreach staff work discreetly to try and help the tenant and work through their situation.
“There might be benefits that they are entitled to but not claiming, or financial advice that can make all the difference.
“We utilise other support services such as health care, Jobcentre, the voluntary sector as well as private sector landlords such as DWP Housing Partnership.
“Already we’ve helped people of all backgrounds and situations; from those with drug and mental health issues to professional people who have fallen on hard times.
“Keeping people in their homes is best for all and we would urge those who think they might be in trouble to get in touch.”
To contact the team call: 01202 633819 or email: earlyprevention@poole.gov.uk
Pic caption: Alan Kenny from DWP Housing Partnership and Gary Pulman from Borough of Poole
Notes for Editors:
DWP Housing Partnership was established as Dave Wells Properties in 1985. The company, which has its headquarters in St Clement’s Road, Boscombe, owns properties across Dorset and Hampshire and houses over 3,000 tenants.
The business currently has other new developments under construction in the Bournemouth and Poole area and plans for several more in the future.
Steve Wells sits on a number of national panels, advising on the best ways to regenerate run-down areas and working to make sure Bournemouth remains a great place to live and work. He’s also a member of the National Landlords Association (NLA) and the British property Federation (BPF).
For more information contact Ed Baker, account director at Deep South Media, on 01202 534487 or 07788392965.
