The Bond scheme enables homeless people, or people who are threatened with homelessness, gain access to private rented accommodation by providing a written rent deposit guarantee (a Bond) to the landlord. This is instead of a cash deposit.
Denbighshire County Council and Conwy County Borough Council have recently reviewed the C&D Bond Scheme in partnership with Nacro Cymru, the CAB and Credit Union, and have now made it bigger and better. Further funding has also been contributed from both Local Authorities in addition to a grant from Welsh Assembly Government, so more people will now benefit.
Nikki Jones, Denbighshire’s Supported Housing ‘Move-on’ Coordinator, said: “The Bond Scheme has been drastically improved resulting in a tighter referrals process, and allocation of the Bond will no longer be given on a first come first served basis, but now on a needs and priority basis. This will ensure the more vulnerable people are not falling through the gaps.”
Dewi Wood, the Bond Scheme Coordinator added: “This is a scheme that works but has always been restricted due to low level funding. Thanks to Denbighshire and Conwy local authorities’ contributions, we are now able to help more people.”
Cllr Christine Evans, Denbighshire’s Homeless Champion said: “The Bond is a great idea as it benefits those who can’t get assistance from local authority housing.” Judith Jenkins, Conwy’s Principal Housing Officer, added: “Not only does the Bond benefit tenants, but it also provides reassurance for landlords when taking on new tenants.”
The photograph above shows Dewi Wood handing over the keys to new tenant Carl Lyons. Carl said: “The Bond has been a great help as I wouldn’t have got a private rented flat without it:”
Keith Forrester who works for Howes Property Solutions, the agency that manages the flat, added: “The Bond is good as the landlord doesn’t have to lodge a cash deposit as the rent guarantee Bond is in place from day one. This also benefits tenants on low income who are unable to raise funds up front.”
For further information on the C&D Bond Scheme, please call 01492 539940.
