Emergency housing lifeline extended

A loan scheme, part of a wider package of support for residents and businesses and operated through the Rothersave and LASER credit unions, has helped 123 families since it began in 2009.

Now Rotherham Council has agreed to make another £250,000 available to keep the scheme running.

It has helped 98 families to pay rent in advance for new accommodation after losing their own properties and bailed out another 25 people suffering difficulties with debts and bills that could have led to creditors taking escalating action.

The funding is available to people across the borough whose financial circumstances have worsened through redundancy or a reduction in working hours, breakdown of a relationship, increased costs or unforeseen extra expenditure.

Cllr Ken Wyatt, the council’s Cabinet member for resources and commissioning, said that the credit crunch loan scheme had proved to be invaluable in preventing homelessness.

To apply for a loan under this scheme, contact either the LASER credit union on 01709 836 500 or the Rothersave credit union on 01709 514 263 for an application form.

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