MK City Council announce new mediation programme to prevent homelessness

Milton Keynes City Council has launched a new initiative designed to try and prevent homelessness by offering early support to landlords and tenants to help resolve issues before a notice is served.

The new ‘Call Before You Serve’ initiative is designed to prevent homelessness, reduce the financial and emotional cost of legal proceedings and promote long-term stable tenancies. It is aimed at landlords, tenants and housing professionals who are facing eviction proceedings.

In a statement, MK City Council said that the ‘Call Before You Serve’ service, “offers completely free mediation to help landlords and tenants resolve disputes early. The service connects tenants to financial support and provides landlords with tailored advice about their legal responsibilities and alternative solutions to serving notice. If staying isn’t possible, City Council colleagues will assess the situation and assist with finding alternative accommodation.”

Housing professionals and frontline services can also refer clients for early support, ensuring access to rent advice, mediation and financial help.

Further information is available on their website. An online referral form is available on the webpage for both landlords and tenants. Once submitted, the city council will assess the situation, identify the reasons for the referral and put together a plan that brings all parties together, which may include practical support such as access to financial assistance to help sustain the tenancy.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Ed Hume, said, “No one wants to see a tenancy end in eviction. By offering early advice and support, we can help people stay in their homes, prevent homelessness and support landlords to find solutions. We’re encouraging both landlords and tenants to talk to us first.”