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A scheme designed to help tackle homelessness in Poole is being launched this week to help families with housing problems.

The scheme will take on and look after private properties, which can then be let to those who have trouble finding suitable housing. The Borough of Poole has successfully bid to the Government for money to help the homeless and is working with the Poole Housing Forum to set up the ‘Homes4Let Scheme’.

Simon Hendey, Head of Housing & Community Services, Borough of Poole, said: "The properties will be let to tenants who are in need of good quality accommodation. The Scheme will offer a range of benefits to landlords, such as deposits, rent in advance, membership of Dorset Residential Landlords Association, cheap insurance, gas servicing and costs which are substantially below the standard letting and management services offered in Poole."

Cllr Jane James, Executive Portfolio Holder for Tackling Disadvantage, Borough of Poole, said: "The Poole Housing Forum have achieved some great successes in the past and this is another scheme which I am sure will be positive for families in Poole. It is important that we make the most of the accommodation we have in the area and that we support families that may have difficulty in finding a suitable home."

Homes4Let want to hear from landlords and owners who have property for rent. Darrel Kwong, Manager, said: "For a limited period we can offer a full management service absolutely free. We have a great deal of experience in managing property for rent -owners and tenants can be assured of an excellent service."

The Homes4Let Scheme is funded for six months after which time it is hoped that it will be self-financing with income from fees charged to landlords. Any surplus made by the Scheme will help fund the PASS project.

Originally set up in 1988, the Forum gained charitable status in 2000. Over the years it has campaigned for the homeless and encouraged those in power to help. In 1998 the Forum set up the Poole Accommodation and Support Scheme (PASS) to encourage private landlords to offer accommodation to single, homeless people. PASS offers advice, support and incentives to private owners – many single people have been housed as a result.

The Poole Housing Forum is an organisation of those in the Borough with an interest in homelessness and housing issues. The Forum includes members from housing associations, charities, advice agencies, providers of accommodation and Council officers, plus members representing Council tenants, private tenants, landlords and owner occupiers.

Homes4Let can be contacted on 739973.