Charity launches £100,000 rent fund

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Finance

A charity has launched a £100,000 rent fund to help out young workers who may be affected by government cuts to benefits.

Trident Reach the People is concerned that government changes will leave many unable to pay rent after they have found work. It will manage the £100,000 fund that has been set aside by Trident Housing Association.

From October the Government will introduce a Universal Credit, which means that instead of claiming various benefits such as Housing Benefit, Income Support and Job Seekers’ Allowance, claimants will receive one monthly lump sum.

The aim of the Government's welfare reform is to slash costs and encourage people back into work. However, Trident Reach is concerned that the changes will leave many vulnerable young people out of pocket and unable to pay their rent.

The charity will assess individuals that are eligible and contribute towards their rent bill for the first eight weeks when they gain employment and cease claiming benefits.

Raj Shergill, Head of Tenancy Support at Trident Reach, said: “One of the themes of our charity is getting people back into paid work. We support many vulnerable young adults, for example, those at risk of homelessness, teenage mothers, young offenders, people leaving the care system, people with learning disabilities and those fleeing domestic abuse etc.

"Under the Welfare Reform these young adults that are of working age and are able to work, will only be able to claim the Universal Credit and no one under the age of 25 will be entitled to Housing Benefit. We are worried that this will leave many vulnerable young adults who want to work unable to pay their rent.”

Trident Reach has so far piloted its Rent Relief Fund with two young people and it is set to roll out fully in October.

One of the young people to benefit under the pilot is Keiron Atterton, from Sandwell, who was at risk of becoming homeless before accessing Trident Reach’s Young People Services.  

He has now started a finance apprenticeship with the charity and, through the Rent Relief Fund, part of his rent and travel costs are being covered while he adjusts to managing his own finances and having a small wage.
 
Keiron said: “The apprenticeship has really enhanced my career prospects and brought stability to my life.”