Can the private rented sector in the East Midlands house more homeless people? Adam Knight-Markiegi Policy Officer

Sitra champions excellence in housing, support and care

The project Brief –Current situation facing vulnerable groups –Future impacts –Making best use of PRS Approach –Small scale –Mainly qualitative –Practical

Tenant view Mostly negative Housing benefit problems Choice and flexibility better in PRS Need help with deposits Value floating support Most prefer social housing

Landlord view Most prefer ‘no DSS’ Put off by LHA delays Tenants not “responsible” Contrasting views on shared housing Mixed experiences of LA services Want vetting, LHA quicker and guarantees

LA worries Funding squeeze Welfare reform Poor quality housing Enticing landlords Not attractive to tenants Pushing out vulnerable tenants

Working with the market Increasing supply Improving quality Matching demand and supply Managing access Managing properties Promoting good practice Regulation

Barriers and risks Barriers: –Tenancies –Housing benefit –Funding cuts Future risks: –Welfare reform –Funding cuts + changes –Non-statutory groups –Wider housing market

Contact Sitra Policy, representation, membership Advice, information, publications, helpline Consultancy: service development, tendering Training: public programme and in-house Conferences, seminars, events management Sitra Twitter.com/sitrapolicy sitraceo.wordpress.com