Key Ask 4: Provide a homelessness prevention grant

The private rented sector is becoming unaffordable for those with no other option but to rely on it for a home. For the growing cohort of people in Northern Ireland who cannot afford to buy a home, but cannot access social housing, inflation is increasing the risk of homelessness.

The Cliff Edge Coalition is calling for Stormont to provide a Homelessness Prevention Grant of £500. This grant would be for private tenants and people who wish to access a private rented tenancy who are in receipt of Local Housing Allowance. The purpose of the grant would be to:

• Overcome short-term affordability challenges that may impact the ability to pay rent or risk serious arrears
• Use as a deposit to secure access to a new tenancy
• Use as rent in advance to secure access to a new tenancy
• Help with moving furniture and essentials to a new tenancy, particularly those who may have disabilities

Read Cliff Edge Coalition’s briefing here: