Council puts measures in place to help keep homeless safe

BRIDGEND County Borough Council has put in place a number of measures to help support homeless people and keep them safe during the coronavirus outbreak.

The local authority is working with its partners such as The Wallich, Pobl and other local housing associations as well as voluntary organisations to provide both practical support and advice in a variety of situations that people may find themselves in due to the pandemic.

Cabinet member for wellbeing and future generations Dhanisha Patel said: “We are following

Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance closely to ensure we have the right support in place for those who are homeless.

“We are also looking at different ways of working to secure accommodation to keep people safe during this difficult time.

“Where people have no other options and are in need of emergency accommodation, we have new temporary arrangements.

“We are also providing advice on a range of areas such as guidance in relation to private landlords and the new rules in relation to rent arrears.

“This is being done in partnership with all our providers who continue to work selflessly to provide services in this challenging time.”

The local authority’s homelessness and housing services are continuing to be provided through the online system Jigsaw where people in housing need can complete a homelessness application which allows officers to assess their situation and help prevent or relieve their situation.

To access information about housing benefit, visit www.bridgend.gov.uk/ residents/ benefits- andsupport/

For homelessness and housing register applications, visit www.bridgend. gov.uk/residents/housing/ housing-register/

People can also email the council at talktous@ bridgend.gov.uk or call 01656 643 643.