Help for tenants amid proposed changes to welfare

PETERBOROUGH’S largest landlord has relaunched its “downsizing” scheme to help tenants who may be adversely affected by the Government’s planned welfare reforms.

The Cross Key Homes scheme offers financial rewards of up to £500 for every spare bedroom released, along with help with moving costs. So far, about 85 people have successfully moved to a smaller home through the scheme.

The association is providing a face-to-face service to its 600 working age residents who may be affected by the national proposals, which would see families having their benefits, including housing costs, capped at £500 per week from April 2013.

A spokeswoman for Cross Keys Homes said the reality facing those tenants of working age who live in properties larger than they need is that they will see a benefit reduction for their spare bedrooms and will have to top up their rent themselves for these extra bedrooms.

Michael Bruce, Cross Keys Homes’ senior neighbourhood manager, said: “We have developed a very comprehensive downsizing scheme. However, we really believe that it is essential not only to offer very gen- erous incentives to help residents but to also assist them by providing one-to-one support and advice throughout the period of planning and actually moving home.”

For further information about Cross Keys Homes visit www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk or to find out further information about the housing association’s downsizing scheme call 01733 385077 or 01733 385061.