housing debt advice service
The Housing Debt Advice Service is a unique and innovative project in Northern Ireland providing an excellent example of successful partnership working in practice.
The partnership is between:
- Housing Rights Service, and
- Fold Housing Association ( a leading housing association in Northern Ireland)
Who can the service help?
The Housing Debt Advice Service is available to tenants of Fold Housing Association in Greater Belfast who:- have in excess of £300 rent arrears, and
either - do not have a current arrears repayment arrangement, or
- have failed to maintain a former arrangement, or
- have an existing arrangement but would like to review its terms
About the project
"The adviser couldn't have been more helpful. She sorted out my benefits and I can now stick to my payments. I really thought I was going to lose my home"
Anon, Fold Housing Association Tenant
The project involves Fold Housing Association identifying, promoting and referring certain tenants to Housing Rights Service for an independent debt counselling service.
It aims to allow tenants of Fold Housing Association to make realistic and sustainable arrangements for the repayment of rent arrears and thus avoid legal action.
Anon, Fold Housing Association Tenant
Project objectives
The main objectives of the Housing Debt Advice Service are:- control rent arrears and avoid costly legal action
- prevent homelessness caused by housing debt
- help tenants to manage their debt and sustain their tenancy
- maximise income for the housing association
- encourage and develop trust and communication between Fold Housing Association and its tenants
- promote good practice
- raise awareness and promote benefits of partnership working
Plans for the project
"Brilliant. We were really worried about our arrears but the scheme meant that we had time to seek help and Fold accepted our proposal. We are not scared to talk to Fold anymore when problems arise."
Anon, Fold Housing Association Tenant
The Housing Debt Advice Service project has been piloted in the Greater Belfast area in order to determine:
Anon, Fold Housing Association Tenant
- need
- viability, and
- take up.