Shropshire Council says it has seen an increase in households approaching it for housing assistance and so is appealing to private rented sector landlords to get in touch if they think they can offer a tenancy to someone in housing need.

The council says there are a number of reasons for the increase in homelessness approaches including recent flooding, the cost of living crisis and Ukraine host placements ending. All these mean that "the demand for suitable alternative accommodation is higher than ever" and the council "is keen to avoid the the need to use temporary accommodation as much as possible" as this type of accommodation is both "very unsettling" for the people placed in it whether individuals or families as well as being very costly for the council.

Landlords who can offer a 6 month tenancy will receive a £250 thank you payment and the support being offered includes financial help towards deposits and rent paid directly to the landlord in advance; tenant support and advice to ensure tenancies remain sustainable; specialist advice on tenancy matters and changes in the law; mediation where disputes arise; landlords will have a named council point of contact throughout the tenancy.

Cllr. Dean Carroll, Cabinet Member for Growth, Regeneration and Housing, said "You could be an experienced landlord with a portfolio of properties and just looking for tenants, in which case, we can offer a tenant matching service .... where we will assess all tenants before they approach you ..... Or you may be a first time landlord and benefit from extra support our team can give .... I'd encourage anyone who has a suitable and affordable vacant property who would be interested, to get in touch and speak to the team".

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