Norwich scheme to help homeless people and bring empty homes back into use notches up major milestone

A scheme set up to help people facing homelessness while getting people back into empty Norwich homes has marked a major milestone, after the 1,000th person signed up for a tenancy under the initiative.

Norwich City Council's LetNCC scheme was set up by the council in 2006 to provide another means of helping those facing homelessness in the city, whilst also bringing empty homes back into use.

Council bosses say the scheme provides access to housing for many people who may otherwise find themselves excluded from the private sector due to a lack of references or insufficient deposit.

They say it also reduces pressure on council waiting lists by helping people find suitable housing more quickly.

By leasing their property to the council, accepted landlords are guaranteed a rental income for the duration of the lease, and the return of their property in a re-let-able condition, while all tenancy management and maintenance issues are left to LetNCC's team.

As the 1,000th tenant of the scheme, Natasha Brigham, 19, was presented with a £50 shopping voucher by the council's deputy leader Alan Waters (pictured).

She said: 'I've been living in the YMCA for the last year and it's thanks to this scheme that I'm now able to live independently. I'm really looking forward to it and can't wait to move in.'

Mr Waters said: 'Providing decent housing for all is one of our top priorities for the city and the LetNCC scheme is a great example of this policy in action.

If you would like to know more about the scheme or have a property you are interested in leasing, call 01603 212841 or email pslt@norwich.gov.uk