Content

That the District Council award
through grant funding £108,593 to Citizens Advice South
Warwickshire for the enhanced Court Desk Worker service for
26-27.
 

Reasons for the decision

Stratford-on-Avon District
Council has previously commissioned Citizens Advice South
Warwickshire (CASW) to deliver the Court Desk Worker service to
assist residents in the district when faced with possession orders
from landlords which could lead to homelessness without appropriate
support and representation.
 
The Court Desk Worker service
represents clients in court during possession hearings, runs
pre-court surgeries for tenants, supports access to other
specialist services to tackle other issues clients face, supports
clients to negotiate sustainable mortgage or rent payment plans
with landlords and lenders. This service is provided to residents
free of charge.
 
Last year Orbit gave notice on
the Tenancy Intervention Officer contract which was a key role in
working alongside the Court Desk Worker. This meant the pre-work,
previously carried out by the Tenancy Intervention Officer before
referring to the Court Desk Worker, was no longer being done.
Additional resource was directed to the Court Desk Worker service
to meet this gap which has proved beneficial.
 
With the additional capacity
the outputs were increased whilst also acknowledging the increased
demand from more residents facing eviction. From the Quarter 3
25/26 report, the Court Desk Worker service has supported 279
clients against a target for the year of 330 (85%), prevented 201
cases of residents threatened with homelessness against a target of
260 (77%) and supported clients with a £730,800 income gain
(arrears addressed, debt managed/ written off/ benefit application,
etc) against a target of £600k (122%). This has meant 201
residents/ families have been able to remain in their homes which
prevents a lot of work/ support by SDC colleagues if they must be
managed as homeless. Also, importantly it prevents significant
negative impact on the household which can mean long term
challenges from being displaced.
 
CASW is a charity operating
within the district delivering free confidential and impartial
advice on a range of subjects including housing, benefits, debt,
fuel poverty, education, law & rights and health. Their help is
available to everyone in the community.
 
CASW is a key partner, and
their activities are aligned to the Growing Opportunities Plan
2026-29.
 
The required amount of
£108,593 pa will be funded in the following way:
 
£38,000 is assigned to
CASW court desk work from the core budget.
 
£70,593 will be allocated
from the Homeless Prevention Grant.
 

Alternative options considered

Several factors have been taken
into account and the following has been
considered in reaching this decision:
 

Whether the budget
allows for these grant awards.
Whether the
organisation is appropriately qualified to undertake this
work.
Whether these
organisations delivered this work within the district and
effectively with the 2025/26 award.
Whether this work is
aligned with the Growing Opportunities and Council
Plans.
Whether a need exists
for this activity and spending.

 
The answer to all these
questions is ‘yes’.