A NEW scheme launched in Edinburgh aims to find places to live for up to 300 people on the brink of homelessness.
The Letfirst service provides accommodation in private rented properties for people who cannot get council housing but are said to be at risk of becoming homeless.
The scheme is to be run by Orchard & Shipman after it won a tender to provide an a
ssisted private rental scheme as part of the council's drive to tackle the problem.
Letfirst offers rents at a normal market rate but tenants do not have to pay a deposit or three months' rent in advance, which the company says removes some of the common barriers that prevent some people finding accommodation in the private rental market.
It is to be used as part of a range of measures to tackle the Capital's affordable housing crisis.
Demand for affordable housing is so acute that on average 150 people chase each council home that becomes available. In 2008-9, 4,858 made applications for housing to the council on the basis that they were on the brink of homelessness.
Angela McLachlan, director of operations at Orchard & Shipman, said: "We anticipate that, given the shortage of housing in Edinburgh, we can make a dent and provide good quality affordable accommodation and help people that the private sector has not traditionally helped."
When a landlord agrees to let Letfirst manage their property, they are securing themselves a regular rental income of up to five years.
Tenants would normally be expected to be referred by housing associations, charities or the city council, making it the first assisted private scheme used in Scotland.
An interview takes place to establish that the individual is at risk of homelessness and is not able to pay the normal deposit and rent in advance.
John Taylor, chief executive of Orchard & Shipman, said: "Letfirst is testimony to the innovative approach the City of Edinburgh Council has taken to bring about meaningful changes to the provision of homes throughout the city."
The council has been credited with virtually eradicating homelessness in recent years. Recent estimates suggest that only around 10 people sleep rough in the city.
But it has now turned its focus on a new early prevention initiative. The new approach by the council is aimed at helping those on the cusp of losing their home and follows an increase in demand for housing advice from people who have had their homes repossessed.
Councillor Paul Edie, the city's housing leader, said: "We recently commissioned a number of services which aim to tackle problems around homelessness in the city, specifically preventing people from becoming homeless in the first place.
"The shortfall of affordable housing in the city means we cannot meet the needs of all those facing homelessness using solely council-owned or housing association properties."
He added: "Letfirst is an innovative project which will allow those who would not normally be able to consider the private rented sector to do so."
