'Kick start funding' for enhanced housing service
Kick Start Funding of £80,000 has been awarded by Central Government to Mansfield District Council in recognition of its innovative plans to develop new services linking housing and employment advice.
The Department for Communities and Local Government were so impressed by the District Council's links with partner organisations and the recent development of the innovative MARS scheme; the only one of its type in Notts, which uses good quality, affordable properties in the private sector.
It provides a wider choice of properties not previously promoted by the council, easing the burden on the current stretched council house waiting lists.
Plans are in hand to develop this partnership working further by providing a 'one stop shop' in a town centre location, close to partnership organisations including: Connexions, Citizens' Advice Bureau and Job Centre Plus, offering enhanced holistic solutions to our customers.
Mansfield is one of 10 local authorities to have been granted Kick Start funding out of 116 local authorities across the country that applied for funding.
This funding will be delivered over two years beginning April 2009.
Councillor Heather Henshaw, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Mansfield District Council, commented: "I am delighted that we have been given this funding."
"The Council has piloted several innovative schemes to help tenants find affordable social housing; this work compliments the regional champion's status which acknowledges the excellent work already being undertaken in Mansfield."
"I am proud that this has been recognised once again by the Government."