A new scheme, which will help Felixstowe peninsula residents to better access private rented housing, has been launched.

Approved by East Suffolk Council's cabinet on Tuesday 11 July, a new lettings partnership – East Suffolk Lettings – will be created, along with the introduction of a new Guaranteed Rent Scheme, to increase residents access to the private rented sector and minimise the use of temporary accommodation.

East Suffolk Lettings will encourage landlords to work with the council, by charging a lower rent, at Local Housing Allowance or within 10%. Landlords will be offered a financial incentive based on the difference in cost between what they would have been able to charge, compared to the lower rate they are charging.

In return, the Council will guarantee the rent is paid on time, each month and will provide support to the tenant to ensure the tenancy is managed appropriately. This will include completing inventories, three-monthly home visits to check on the condition of the property, supporting with benefit claims, and managing utilities.

Cllr David Beavan, East Suffolk's Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Housing said: "Many more people face homelessness this year as private rents rocket, mortgages soar and landlords look to sell.

"After a slow building programme and right to buy sales, we sadly just do not have the houses to offer to prevent or relieve homelessness, which is our statutory duty. This imaginative letting policy, devised by our great housing team, will certainly help.

"Any homeless person housed is a victory but the war against the housing crisis continues unabated. We must find a way to provide more homes that people can afford to live in."

Funded through the Homelessness Prevention Grant, received from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the scheme will be offered on a two-year pilot basis and if successful will become a permanent service.