A NEW out of hours housing advice surgery aims to save homeowners from a life on the streets.
The service is being launched by Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) and Chester City Council to offer people facing repossession and homelessness the advice and assistance of the Housing Options Team.
Advice will include information about the housing register, private renting in Chester, a mortgage rescue scheme, as well as alternative forms of accommodation.
Help will also be given to try and ensure the householder is able to remain in their home.
A specialised Housing Benefit advisor will also be available to discuss enquiries about Housing Benefit and Council Tax.
Lee Byrne, CDHT Housing Options Advisor, said: “We recognise that there is a shortage of social housing and due to the credit crunch people are feeling the pinch. We are launching this surgery to help individuals who need housing advice and assistance outside of normal office hours.
“Our Housing Options Team are committed to inclusiveness and seek to ensure all residents of Chester have access to the services we offer, regardless of daytime commitments.”
CDHT owns and manages over 6,200 properties in and around Chester, employing 275 staff. It also manages the housing waiting list and homelessness agency service on behalf of Chester City Council.
Steve Fox, Welfare Officer for Chester City Council, said: “This is a service being offered to help with housing and benefits advice. Our customers should be aware of the different options available to them. The City Council is pleased to be working with Chester & District Housing Trust in this joint initiative.”
The out of hours housing advice surgery is at Chester Library fortnightly from Thursday, February 12, 5pm to 6.30pm.
