Published: 29/04/2020
COPELAND Council’s housing team has accommodated 15 households during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The residents were homeless or threatened with homelessness, and have been provided temporary accommodation in the borough whilst a permanent housing solution is put in place.
Five of these households have now secured longer term accommodation, and the team are working tirelessly to secure longer term accommodation for the remaining households.
The team has also provided advice to more than 50 people who had concerns or were worried about losing their accommodation during this period.
On March 20, a letter from Luke Hall MP, Minister for Local Government and Homelessness, stated that local councils should make every effort to find accommodation for rough sleepers and “to safeguard as many homeless people as we can from COVID-19.”
Since then, Copeland Council has accommodated 15 households who were homeless, or threatened with homelessness due to social distancing measures. These people were rough sleeping, or hidden homeless (sofa surfing) and were no longer able to remain with family and friends.
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “Since social distancing measures were introduced, a number of our residents were faced with a dilemma, having nowhere of their own to call home and unable to continue to rely on the support of their friends and family.
“Since getting in touch, everyone who has presented as homeless, or at risk of homelessness, has been provided with a safe place to stay.
“Residents in need have been offered accommodation in either one of our own temporary accommodation units, or are being housed by third-party accommodation providers in the area.
“We continue to appeal for private landlords in Copeland to come forward so we can offer a more permanent solution to those without long term accommodation.
“Various incentives are on offer, such as rent in advance and rent deposits, should private landlords be willing to support housing Copeland’s residents.
“If you have a property currently sitting empty, get in touch.
“Thanks goes to our Housing team who are a credit to our organisation, and to Copeland.”
For those that are homeless or threatened with homelessness, email housing.options@copeland.gov.uk or call 01946 427070.
If you are a landlord and have available accommodation, email housing.options@copeland.gov.uk or call 01946 598300.
