SCHEMES to combat the problem of homelessness in Craven have received funding boosts which guarantee their short term future.

The cash coincides with a campaign to increase the number of people who help those on low incomes to enter the private rented housing sector.

When properties are let, cash bonds are usually required to be paid to the landlord, usually to the value of a month's rent - something which those on benefits or low incomes may find impossible to find.

Under Craven's Bond Guarantee Scheme, no money is handed over but landlords are guaranteed to receive up to a certain amount against uninsured theft or damage to properties.

The scheme is currently providing homes for 45 tenants but Government funding, which had been available for the last three years, has not been renewed this year due to a change in emphasis to support rough sleepers in more urban areas.

However, Craven District Council, which works closely with the scheme to provide tenancies for people who might otherwise be made homeless, has come to the rescue by giving £7,000 for the rest of the current financial year. It is hoped that will be extended.

Mary Russell, development worker at Craven Housing Scheme, is hoping more people will act as bond guarantors to provide more places in the rented sector.

She explained that guarantors can be individuals or organisations who pledge units of £100 per year to the scheme. While the pledge is a maximum of £100, what they actually pay out is a percentage of the sum claimed against the Bond Guarantor Scheme, usually less than £10.

Signing up this week were Craven Herald editor Ian Lockwood and Craven District Council chairman Peter Walbank.

"It's an excellent idea. Guarantors are providing a place for families and individuals and while they pledge up to £100, claims have amounted to less than £10 a year," said Coun Walbank.

The other project to combat homelessness provides emergency accommodation. It has received £7,000 from Craven Counts, Craven Primary Care Group, the Craven Trust and the community chest of Craven District Council.

"Currently the nearest emergency accommodation for people not classed as being 'priority need' is in Keighley or Harrogate," explained Mary.

"The new project hopes to set up a bed and breakfast scheme, a nightstop scheme for 16 to 25 year olds and provide transport vouchers so people can access the accommodation."

If you wish to become a bond guarantor, contact Craven Housing Scheme, 28 Victoria Street, Skipton, telephone 01756 701110.