Swansea housing assistance Credit Union Rent Account scheme

Tenants in the city of Swansea that are in rental arrears can get assistance as well as loans from a scheme created by the council called the Credit Union Rent Account, or CU. This programme was created in partnership with the Loans and Savings Abertawe (LASA) and together money is provided for housing costs to stop an eviction.

Initially the scheme was aimed at those families that are now on the Universal Credit, however it was expanded to include any tenant that needs rent help or that have had a reduction in their welfare benefits. Not only can it help pay for arrears due to a landlord, but the loans can also be used to cover utility bills including heating, water, or fuel arrears. Any type of housing expense that could lead to homelessness can be paid by CU.

Loans are provided to the Swansea resident from LASA – Loans and Savings Abertawe. This financial aid is also combined with ongoing support to tenants that may be struggling as the credit union services are extensive. The client will be able to participate in budgeting as well as counseling and debt sessions. Whatever it takes to help the family get back on track is arranged by the Credit Union Rent Account scheme.

One of the aims of the Loans and Savings Abertawe is on tacking homelessness in the city. The not-for profit lender provides this service to the community to try to make this happen. They therefore work closely with the Swansea Council as well as other charities on helping families on a low income with their rent and other housing bills.

The demand for the interest free loans is coming from a few different situations. Many of the clients are as follows.

-With the increasing costs of private sector rent in Swansea and Wales, families living in PRS flats are seeking loans.
-Benefit cuts from the central government are leading to more social housing tenants falling into arrears, and they too are seeking financial aid and free advice.
-The loans can fill the gap for people on the Universal Credit and facing delays in the payments or having difficult budgeting.
-Government changes to under-occupation shortfall payments are leading to more families in rental arrears, and the Credit Union Rent Account scheme has a special form of assistance for them.

The Swansea council will provide information on how the scheme operates. They will also assess an application for a loan. If the tenant is found eligible and is facing financial difficulties, the individual will be referred to the LASA credit union for additional applications and follow up.

The money for paying rent arrears is not from the local authorities. Instead the not-for-profit Loans and Savings Abertawe provides the funds to clients. The individual will need to repay the loan, but they may be provided as many as 12 months for this to occur. During that time-frame the family will continue to be able to live in their home, if they keep up with future rent costs on their own.

This is in effect a programme aimed at stopping homelessness in the city. For more information on the Credit Union Rent Account scheme, individuals local to Swansea residents can either call on the credit union or the council office.