More cash for landlords as government launches £19.5m homelessness fund

£19.5m will be shared among 54 local authorities to help ‘vulnerable people secure their own home.’

Councils will able to offer the money to landlords so homeless people can pay deposits or put down the first months’ rent.

The government say the fund will give people an opportunity to make a home in a property they may otherwise not have been able to access.

However, the fund was criticised by Paul Kershaw, chair of Unite LE1111 Housing Workers Branch, who said on Twitter: ‘Huge amounts of government funding go to the private rented sector who offer expensive insecure homes, often of poor quality. Not ideal for the homeless!’

Housing Minister Heather Wheeler also outlined plans to look at letting adverts which potentially discriminate against would-be tenants on Housing Benefit, saying it should end.

Half of landlords have previously said they would not be willing to let to tenants on Housing Benefit.

Heather Wheeler said: ‘I want everyone to have the security, dignity and opportunities they need to build a better life – at the heart of which is ensuring everyone can find a safe and secure home to call their own.

‘This funding will make a huge difference in opening up the private rented sector to people who need it and give them the chance to rebuild their lives.

‘I will also be meeting key stakeholders to tackle the practice of ‘No DSS’, to underline the need for immediate change.’