North East Derbyshire District Council named as finalists in UK Housing awards for work on homelessness

North East Derbyshire District Council have been announced as finalists at the UK Housing Awards for their work in preventing residents becoming homeless through collaborative working with other authorities.

They have been nominated as finalists in the Homelessness Partnership of the Year category. Dash Services and authorities across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire set up Call B4 You Serve, an initiative which is aimed at providing landlords with free advice and support for dealing with tenants in difficulties.

The awards holders recognised the contribution and success of the Call B4 You Serve Project, which has helped people stay in their homes in difficult circumstances and has prevented homelessness across the two counties in the private rented sector.

Councillor Alan Powell, portfolio holder for Communications and Housing said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the Authority. Being recognised nationally and being finalists for the work we have done on homelessness just goes to show the efforts we are making to help people in desperate need.

“The advice and support landlords have received from the Call B4 You Serve project has been pivotal in helping people stay in their homes. We are passionate about helping both the tenant and landlord, and this project has provided the perfect platform the remediate between the two.

“This award is well deserved and shows that collaborative working with other authorities has far reaching benefits for our residents, a huge well done to all involved.”

The winners of the event will be announced on 7 May 2020 at an event at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Pictured left to right: Mark Skelton (Dash Services Call B4 You Serve) / Lee Pepper (NEDDC Housing Options Manager) / Linda Cobb (Dash Services Call B4 You Serve) / Helen Scott (Dash Services Call B4 You Serve) / Sally Agyeman Dash Services Call B4 You Serve)