An innovative social housing scheme run by Enfield Council has moved hundreds of people out of temporary accommodation in the last 12 months.
Enfield Let is an ethical lettings agency which was set up by the Council to help residents who find it difficult to access a private properly find suitable safe, good quality accommodation for their family.
The scheme, which was set up in October 2020, works by leasing properties from Landlord’s on three to five year lease agreements, which are then let out to Council nominated households who are allocated the property rather than having to apply for temporary accommodation through the Council.
In the last year, the scheme has successfully housed 240 families at risk of being made homeless and by diverting them from expensive temporary accommodation has helped save the local authority millions of pounds. An estimated 100 more families are expected to be supported in the next 12 months.
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Housing, Cllr George Savva, said: “Everyone deserves to live in good quality accommodation that meets the needs of their family. Unfortunately the current housing market means that many people cannot afford to buy a property or pay for privately rented accommodation.
“Enfield Let bridges the gap between Council housing – of which we have a very limited supply - and the private sector and enables us to house residents who are at risk of homelessness because of their financial circumstances.
“The alternative is for these families to be placed in expensive temporary accommodation which may not meet their needs and costs the Council more. This is an effective, cost efficient solution to the present housing crisis and enables us to find good homes for families who need additional help from the Council.”
Enfield Let offers a reliable and trusted service for Landlords.