AM welcomes new Swansea initiative to help homeless

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 12th Aug 2009

Speaking at the Bond Board launch

Welsh Liberal Democrat Housing spokesperson Peter Black was in Swansea Guildhall today to see the launch of a new scheme designed to help homeless people in Swansea get a foot on the housing ladder.

The scheme is a joint project between homeless charity The Wallich, Swansea Bond Bank (SBB), and Swansea's LASA Credit Union (LASA) of which Mr. Black is a member. Mr. Black was asked to speak at the launch.

Also present to see the launch was Cllr Nick Tregoning who is the present Cabinet Member for Social Services in Swansea, and a member of the LASA Board.

Mr. Black said: - "This is an excellent project and a good example of co-operation across organisations. The main aim is assist people who have a problem with finding a decent home in which to live because they cannot afford the deposit.

"The Wallich are already doing much good work with homeless people in Swansea, as well as with those who are in danger of becoming homeless.

"Swansea Bond Bank assists people who are classed as financially excluded and cannot get the money together for a deposit so that they can rent somewhere to live.

"But over the past few years for numerous reasons, resources for guaranteed bonds have been depleted.

"That's where LASA come in. People who would otherwise not be able to get a deposit can be helped via a guarantee bond and will then open a savings account with LASA so that the money can be paid back over two years.

"They are hoping that this scheme will be able to assist people who most need it whilst giving them independence and a place to call home."