A SCHEME which has helped nearly 4,000 people in England find rented homes in the last two years is coming to Hambleton.

The district council has secured £40,000 in Government funding to join the Private Rented Sector Access Scheme.

It means that over the next year housing officials will work in partnership with Foundation Housing to help up to 32 local people secure accommodation.

A project worker will be employed to build up a database of landlords and, together with housing officers, will match people needing homes, but not registered as priority homeless, to those landlords.

The scheme is already established in 120 areas across England and the Government is investing £1.2m to set it up in another 23, including Hambleton.

Local housing manager Helen Fielding said: “The scheme helps single people find advice and support to find and sustain a private rented home – and prevent homelessness.

“Working with Foundation we can help them to overcome hurdles like finding a deposit and making sure the home is safe and secure.”