Decision

The Assistant Director Housing has decided to fund a Citizens Advice Housing Caseworker for 12 months to support Mansfield residents affected by local housing policies.

Analysis

outcome: Recommendations Approved

summary: The decision is to fund a Citizens Advice Housing Caseworker for 12 months to provide support to Mansfield residents affected by local housing policies and legislative changes.

topline: The Assistant Director Housing has decided to fund a Citizens Advice Housing Caseworker for 12 months to support Mansfield residents affected by local housing policies.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves funding allocation and potential political implications related to housing policies.

affected_stakeholders: ["Mansfield residents", "Private Sector Housing team", "Housing Needs Service"]

contentiousness_score: 5

political_party_relevance: There are no explicit mentions of political parties in the decision.

URL: https://mansfield.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1731

Decision Maker: Assistant Director - Housing

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To fund a Housing Caseworker provided by Citizens Advice who will provide advice and support to private tenants and residents at risk of homelessness.

Content: Decision to fund a Citizens Advice Housing Caseworker for 12 months   Delegated Decision Ref: 25/16/H   Decision to enter into a contract with Citizens Advice North Notthinghamshire for the purpose of funding a Housing Case Worker for 12 months at a cost of £40,316.80.     Throughout 25/26 there will be significant changes to legislation affecting private tenants and landlords which is anticipated to create an increased volume of requests for advice and support received by the Private Sector Housing team and the Housing Needs Service.   Citizens Advice North Nottinghamshire will provide a Caseworker who will give free advice and offer free support to Mansfield residents affected by the introduction of local housing policies and legislative changes that will affect residents over the next 12 months. The caseworker will be available during office hours and will work 37 hours a week between Monday to Friday.   The Caseworker will provide support to residents through liaising with landlords on tenancy management and disrepair issues, advising on correct eviction processes and will help challenge notices to sustain tenancies. The Caseworker will also provide advice to residents who are at risk of losing their home to identify solutions and prevent evictions or presenting to the council as homeless.  A memorandum of understanding will be signed between both parties to agree the role and caseload for the caseworker.   The funding for this project will come from the Homeless Prevention Grant which is ring-fenced for homeless prevention measures and the Better Care Fund. The contract between Citizens Advice North Nottinghamshire and MDC has been drafted by MDC Legal Services and will be signed by the Assistant Director Housing.     Not to fund would not be a viable option as prevention work is a key priority of the service.  

Date of Decision: July 17, 2025