Councils across London are to get government cash to boost the housing and employment advice they offer local residents.
Twenty councils across England, including Islington and the London Learning Disabilities Partnership which comprises Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Sutton, Richmond, Lambeth, and Wandsworth, will receive up to £260,000 to develop ‘Trailblazers’ housing advice programmes.
The aim of the scheme is to offer personalised advice to people looking for housing, whether to stay in their own homes or secure social and private rented or shared ownership properties.
Housing Minister Iain Wright said the schemes “make sure people are fully informed of their options and able to make the decision that is right for them in their individual circumstances, not someone else’s.”
The West London Housing Partnership, comprising Harrow, Ealing, Hillingdon, Brent, Hounslow, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea councils and the London Borough of Newham will receive money to develop ‘kick start’ programmes which link housing and employment advice.
Each successful borough or partnership will receive funding over two years starting April 2009.
