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Seek support if needed now courts hearing housing possession cases
15/06/2021
“The prospect of losing one’s home is devastating, but help is at hand”
Seek support as soon as possible: that is the advice from Cherwell District Council to those at risk of homelessness as the courts begin to hear housing possession cases once again.
The Council’s housing team offers a range of support, such as help applying to the housing register, assistance with rent arrears and advice for those facing eviction.
Councillor Lucinda Wing, Lead Member for Housing, said: “The ban on evictions may have ended but our ambition to make homelessness history in north Oxfordshire is not going away.
“The prospect of losing one’s home is devastating, but help is at hand. Regardless of your background or circumstances, our housing experts have a comprehensive range of support to offer and this is best delivered sooner rather than later.”
For people worried that they will lose their home due to rent arrears, the council can work with landlords to put repayment plans in place, and for anyone eligible, discuss discretionary housing payments to prevent eviction.
There are also incentives for private landlords to work with the council to place those at risk of homelessness into accommodation.
Although the government eviction ban ended on 31 May, longer notice periods are still in place with a minimum of four months in most cases. Tenants are protected from illegal eviction and harassment under The Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and the council will investigate this and take action where appropriate.
Support to help keep people in their homes is also offered by third parties. This includes The Housing Possession Mediation Pilot Scheme, run by the Society of Mediators, with a new way of resolving possession cases before they get to a court hearing.
Breathing Space is another initiative which gives people struggling with problem debt 60 days to get their finances back on track, without debts piling up, worrying letters, or enforcement action.
Cherwell District Council’s support for people at risk of homelessness or sleeping rough also includes funding to Connection Support, which provides outreach services and refers people to the Adult Homeless Pathway.
Anyone worried that they may become homeless is invited to contact the council on 01295 753751 or email homelessreferrals@cherwell-dc.gov.uk. Information about the housing register, the tenancy relations officer, homelessness support and other housing services is available at www.cherwell.gov.uk/housing.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam