Worcester residents are invited to attend a free drop in event later this month which will offer access to housing advice, guidance and support from a wide range of local services.
The event will take place at Worcester Guildhall on Tuesday 21 April, from 10am to 2pm, providing a one stop opportunity for residents to raise housing concerns, seek practical advice and access support in one convenient location.
The event will also give people the chance to share their views and help shape the Council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, which is currently being developed. This strategy will set out the Council’s priorities for tackling homelessness in the city over the next five years.
Attendees will also be able to find out more about the Renters’ Rights Act, which comes into effect on 1 May, and understand how the upcoming changes could affect them.
The new legislation will introduce significant reforms to private renting, including the end of ‘no fault evictions’ and rental bidding, limits on advance payments, and a requirement for landlords to reasonably consider tenants’ requests to keep pets.
Representatives from housing associations Platform and Citizen will be available to answer housing related queries.
Worcester City Council’s Revenues and Benefits team will also be on hand to provide guidance on Council Tax and Housing Benefit, alongside support from Department of Work and Pensions and the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Additional organisations attending include the City Council’s homelessness team, private sector housing, and community safety teams, as well as Trading Standards, Worcester Community Trust, Nightstop, St Pauls, Act on Energy, and the Fire Service.
Any organisations or services wishing to take part are encouraged to contact
Councillor Jabba Riaz, Chair of Worcester City Council’s Communities Committee said: “This event follows the success of a similar drop in session held in October last year.
“Whether someone is facing a housing issue, looking for guidance, or has a community concern they would like to discuss, this drop in brings together a wide range of services in one place to offer help and advice”.
“With so many local partners involved, it is a great chance for residents to learn what support is available and where to turn when they need it. It is also a great chance to find out more about the Renters’ Rights Act, which will introduce major reforms to private renting from next month.”
