1. WORKSHOP D Improving access to private rented accommodation 26 th January 2010

2. Rachel Oram Probation Services Officer – HMP Birmingham Martin Brooks Business Manager Private Rented Services Birmingham City Council

3. Prisoners can be split into 2 groups Those serving under 12 months Those serving over 12 months Main difference is the level of external support when leaving custody

4. Prisoners serving over 12 months Will spend some time on licence in the community post release Example: 2 Year sentence 12 months in custody 6 months on licence 6 months ‘at risk’

5. What legal obligations do Probation have regarding accommodation? There is no specific legal obligation however Probation will provide assistance where possible No special access to housing Approved Premises – limited spaces and only for high/very high risk Offenders

6. Problems Prisoners face accessing private rented housing Lack of deposit or rent in advance Lack of referees and ID Unable to view properties and sign tenancy agreements Lack of media access (local papers/Internet) Lack of landlords willing to consider (ex) offender

7. How can we overcome these barriers? Prison Service Probation Local Authorities Registered Social Landlords Supporting people You?

8. Prison Led Initiatives Discretionary discharge grants ID forms to enable opening of Bank Accounts from custody Virtual Campus – restricted Internet

9. Floating Support Services Can be accessed by any prisoner Engage up to 4 weeks prior to release View properties for an offender Visit with tenancy agreements

10. Rent Deposit Schemes These run in some areas May be council or charity funded May run parallel to Priority Needs Assessments Does not cover rent in advance

11. What more can we do? Prison Service Probation Local Authorities Registered Social Landlords Supporting people You?

12. Martin Brooks Business Manager Private Rented Services Birmingham City Council

13. Breakout Session Challenges Initiatives and Best practice The Wider Picture