We have now launched the Successful Tenancies strategy 2015-17, which is the future of tenancies. The objective is to carry on maximising the potential of our tenants and new housing applicants to benefit from successful and sustainable tenancies.
One of our residents, Manuel started a new two year flexible tenancy back in in September 2012. He started a plumbing apprenticeship with a build company in Hendon whilst attending college in Edgware every Friday.
Manuel struggled to budget on his apprenticeship earnings, so we referred him to housing support in the form of a mentoring programme. When Manuel was laid off by his employer, he could not complete his apprenticeship but managed to get work with Freemantle as a gardener last spring.
He has since started working as a plumber and we have been able to refer him to Barnet and Southgate College to study for his (NVQ) National Vocational Qualification whilst remaining in work.
Manuel is one of a growing number of residents we have been able to support to maintain their tenancies, through helping them access employment and training as well as the financial advice they are likely to need.
Director of Operations Derek Rust says of the new Successful Tenancies strategy: “We now fully understand the importance of targeted prevention through engagement – we want to help our tenants to make the right financial decisions, including supporting them into work, meaning tenancies are more likely to sustain.”
The new Successful Tenancies strategy is available in full here.