The Vale of Glamorgan Council has won national recognition for its work in helping to prevent homelessness.
The Council's Homeless Prevention Team was commended at the 'Excellence Wales' awards under the 'Our Homes' category for its outstanding work with people threatened with losing their homes.
The Homeless Prevention Team works closely with clients to prevent a breakdown in their existing accommodation, and offers a number of options, including financial assistance for those eligible, to either remain in their current accommodation or to help find a new home.
Where a tenancy cannot be saved, the team helps eligible clients to find alternative accommodation with assistance from the Vale Assisted Tenancy Scheme (VATS) in the private sector.
Alun Billinghurst, Acting Head of Housing, said: “This service has dramatically reduced the number of homeless acceptances by the authority from 314 in 2004 to 165 in 2006 so it is pleasing that the work of the staff has been recognised by Excellence Wales.”
Councillor Margaret Wilkinson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: “The Homeless Prevention Team has not only reduced the number of homeless acceptances, it has enabled many vulnerable individuals and families to remain in their homes and to avoid the disruption and stress of moving into temporary accommodation. I would like to congratulate all staff involved with this valuable service”.
Steve Thomas, WLGA Director, added: “Once again our national awards scheme shows that councils across Wales are achieving the highest level of performance in serving their communities. Excellence Wales is achieving exactly what it set out to do - recognising and rewarding excellence and sharing learning from innovative good practice.”
For further details about the work of the Vale Council's Homeless Prevention Team, please contact Hazel Allen on 01446 709467.