PRIVATE landlords are being asked to come to the aid of the homeless in Cheshire by offering one-bed accommodation.

Since the lockdown was enforced in March Cheshire East Council says its housing team has been dealing with "a significant number" of homeless residents in supported accommodation.

These residents now require assistance to move into more settled accommodation and the council has secured government funding to enable them to move into the private rented accommodation.

In partnership with Concrete, who will provide tenancy support, the government programme, Next Steps, aims to provide accommodation in the private rented sector for 38 residents.

Landlords who are willing to offer properties to these residents will receive incentives such as advance rent payments, a named contact to liaise with around tenancy issues and the assurance that any tenancies granted will be closely monitored for at least the first five months.

Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Cabinet Member for Environment and Regeneration, said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has affected many people, sadly the situation has resulted in some residents becoming unemployed or struggling financially and losing their homes.

"The Next Steps programme is an opportunity for private landlords to offer secure one-bedroomed accommodation to those in Cheshire East who need help. In return they will receive guaranteed rental income for a property that may otherwise have stood empty and support from an advisor who will work with them and their tenants."

References will be provided by the resident's current accommodation provider and only those deemed to be ready to hold a tenancy will be allowed to rent.

But landlords will be expected to provide accommodation of a good standard and to comply with all letting legislation.

For more details of the scheme potential landlords can contact Claire Grice on 07534891628 or Karen Wild on 07843641168