A COUNCIL are piloting a new housing drop in for residents.

Rochford District Council and Citizens Advice Rochford and Rayleigh are piloting the sessions over the next three months.

Working in partnership was identified as one of the council’s priorities in their ongoing homeless action plan, “improving access to information for residents”.

The new initiative now means that if a resident visits Citizens Advice at the Civic Suite, Rayleigh with a query that includes housing, in addition to the independent advice they will receive from Citizens Advice, they can be directly signposted to the housing options prevention officer who will see them immediately during set times.

Debt, benefits and housing are some of the top reasons why people approach the Citizens Advice for support so it is hoped the scheme will be far reaching and streamline the existing methods of referral.

Rochford District Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Community, June Lumley said: “With budgets being tight it is now more important than ever that we work alongside our voluntary and community sector to ensure residents have access to the right services and support as quickly as possible.

“We have recently welcomed Rayleigh Rochford and District Association for Voluntary Service (RRAVS) into the Civic Suite and are now working together even closer than before providing a one-stop community hub for residents.

“I’m delighted that we are partnering with Citizens Advice Rochford and Rayleigh, to offer yet another critical service for our residents”.

Sue Murray, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Rochford and Rayleigh, said: “Having immediate access to the housing team will be a real benefit to the high proportion of people with housing problems in the area and help resolve issues as soon as possible. 

“We welcome this initiative and look forward to working more closely with the Housing Options team whilst maintaining our independence.'

The drop in sessions started on the December 5 in the reception area, with further dates and times confirmed as December 19, January 9 and January 23 between 10am and 12pm.