Landlords blamed as one area sees 250% jump in those under threat
BOLSOVER saw a 250 per cent rise in the number of people threatened with homelessness in the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2021 – 49 people compared with 14.
The rise – the third biggest in the country – is part of an 18 per cent increase across the county, including Derby, and a 22 per cent rise across the whole of the East Midlands in the same timeframe, according to Government data.
A spokesperson for Bolsover District Council said: “There has been a rise in the number of homeless approaches made to Bolsover, this is a trend which has been seen across the country as a whole. The Covid pandemic saw the Government put a freeze on evictions and when this ban was lifted at the end of May 2021 we saw an increase in approaches which has continued.
“The main reason for the increase in Bolsover has been private landlords serving Section 21 notices. Often the landlord is looking to sell or re-let the property. The cost of living crisis is also placing a strain on households and making private rented accommodation no longer affordable.
“Having seen the rise in homelessness across the district we have taken steps to enhance the homelessness team with a dedicated homelessness triage officer. This is the first point of contact and provides a triage service for people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, assessing cases and providing advice and assistance.
“In most cases a solution can be found before the person becomes homeless. In more complex cases this is dealt with by the Housing Needs team.
“As well as working with someone to prevent homelessness, and secure alternative accommodation if needed, we work with other agencies that offer support and advice. We have also continued to work in close partnership with all district and borough authorities in Derbyshire.
“By taking a coordinated approach to tackling homelessness and service delivery, we have successfully used Government funding targeted at homelessness and rough sleeping to achieve improved outcomes for many people across Derbyshire. For example, Call B4 You Serve, delivered by DASH, provides support and a problemsolving advice service for landlords who are considering giving notice to their tenants.
“The philosophy of the service is to solve issues including debt and rent arrears without a notice being served. In addition Derbyshire Law Centre PRS Prevention Service provides support and practical solutions to reduce homelessness in the private rented sector.
“We have regular contact with the Homelessness Advice and Support Team within the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and welcome the additional funding we received for homeless prevention last year.”