The council is seeking local private landlords to participate in Welsh Government’s Leasing Scheme Wales as part of its strategy to address the current rise in homeless households across the county borough.
In the midst of a homelessness crisis in Wales, the use of temporary accommodation services has increased exponentially in Bridgend County Borough. There were 71 households in temporary accommodation at the end of 2018/19 and 253 households at the end of 2022/23, equating to a 256 percent rise within this time frame.
This situation has been compounded by a wider increase in demand for social housing. Since 2019-2020, the total number of applicants on the Bridgend Common Housing Register at the end of each year has risen substantially. This is largely attributed to the impact of the cost-of-
living crisis, as well as the reducing number of properties that are affordable in the private rental sector.
As a vital aspect of its strategy to tackle homelessness in the county borough, the council are encouraging local private landlords to participate in the Leasing Scheme Wales.
Subject to suitability, private sector landlords who join the scheme will receive a range of benefits which will be supported by Welsh Government, as outlined below:
- Guaranteed rent for the length of the lease at the relevant Local Housing Allowance rate (leases are initially for a period of five years).
- Where necessary, a grant of up to £5k to bring properties up to an agreed standard.
- Management of properties for the length of the lease, which will include property inspections, repairs, and maintenance undertaken on behalf of the landlords.
- Support to tenants throughout the tenancy.
Cllr Rhys Goode, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, said: ““The Leasing Scheme Wales will increase the supply of suitable and affordable accommodation for those in need, and help to relieve the existing pressures on homelessness services.
“The scheme is a fantastic opportunity for private landlords in the area, offering them numerous advantages. Landlords will be provided with financial, as well as practical and managerial support from Bridgend County Borough Council. This is a great proposal for landlords, and we hope that they take advantage of it.”
For further information, please email Private Sector Housing: [email protected]