Labour authority wants private landlords to help it solve homelessness

Newport council, with a large Labour majority, has joined the Welsh Government’s Leasing Scheme to help solve local homelessness. This scheme encourages private landlords to lease properties to the council for five to 20 years. In return, landlords receive guaranteed monthly rental income, a full property management service, and coverage for tenant-caused damages, all at no commission. The scheme also offers grants for property improvements. Newport has set up a new team to manage the process and is seeking interested landlords.