Housing debt helpline gets a boost

The Welsh Tenants Federation believes that prevention is less costly than cure, commenting on the recent announcement of a cash boost for debt Consumer Credit Counseling Services CCCS Welsh Tenants Federation Chair Gail Mcfee said that extra resources into prevention has to be a positive step in these difficult times for everyone facing eviction. Whether that’s rent or mortgage arrears – the more help people can get before they are threatened with eviction the better.

Her views came as the Welsh Assembly Government announced a £58,000 cash boost to CCCS which offers advice to people facing repossession or eviction. The Housing Debt helpline provides free telephone based counseling to anyone at risk of losing their home, helping them find long term solutions to their problems.

Commenting on the additional funding that the helpline will receive in 2010-2011, Social Justice Minister Carl Sargeant said: “The Housing Debt helpline can play a key role in keeping people in their homes during the current economic climate. Advisers have the knowledge to offer expert advice and this funding will ensure the service continues to help people keep a roof over their head and address their debt problems.”

Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration Jocelyn Davies AM said:
“As we continue to help Wales out of recession it is important that we keep this vital helpline service open to people to tackle debt and prevent families from losing their homes. It is vital that people know that this help and advice will continue to be made available to help them in times of need. I would encourage anybody with debt problems to get in touch with this service as early as possible to get advice that is free and confidential.”

The helpline is run by the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) whose advisers are trained professionals in the field of debt advice and money management. Since its launch in 2009, the service has helped 61% of its customers retain their homes.

To contact the Housing Debt Helpline, call 0800 107 1340 or visit the Housing Debt Helpline website.

Further information about the Welsh Tenants Federation can be obtained by contacting the national office or by exploring our web site.

National Housing Strategy for Wales

The Welsh Tenants Federation are pleased to see that the Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration launched the national housing strategy for Wales. When launching the strategy she said: “The strategy provides us with an opportunity to build on what we have already achieved and to do even more together to help people to improve their lives. “Housing is so much more than bricks and mortar. Investment in Housing brings with it benefits for the economy, for jobs and training opportunities, for people’s health and well being, and for the environment. It also helps tackle poverty and inequalities and opens up new opportunities for people.“

Gail McFee chair of the Welsh Tenants Federation speaking to WTF volunteers reiterated the importance of a strategy that responds to the needs of Wales. She said we hope to see further powers devolved to Wales to ensure the strategy can be delivered. We are also pleased to see that real progress is being made towards meeting our aspiration that every tenant is able to live in a decent quality and affordable home and that real choice becomes a reality, not just choice of where you live, but how tenants can help shape the services available to them.



Details about the strategy and a downloaded copy can be found at http://wales.gov.uk/topics/housingandcommunity/housing/?lang=en or request a copy from the Welsh Tenants Federation.