Progressive lifestyles solutions

Paul MartinDirector

Progressive Lifestyle Solutions NW CIC

Why we applied for this funding•A more ‘rounded’ and complete service.

•Moves service users out of the “Benefits Trap.”

•Introduction of Homesteading and Work-Based volunteering opportunities.

•Improves chance of reintegration back to normal society.

•Will improve the sustainability of our organisation.

Our existing operation:-

Was there a need for this service?

Two-Fold answer to this:-

1. Amongst Our Service Users

Low Priority Band on Property

Pool

•Single adult males often found themselves in Priority Band D or E, meaning the properties they would likely be offered were one bedroom flats in areas that other people had turned down. Finding an affordable and spacious property in a desirable area was often a non-starter.

“Huge Undersupply” of affordabl

e housing

in Liverpool

.

•Liverpool City Council’s latest Housing Strategy confirmed that there was indeed an undersupply of affordable housing in Liverpool. Many of our service users found themselves waiting for long periods of time to even be offered a viewing.

Returning to work could

return a risk of

homelessness

•Returning to full-time employment following a period of time on benefits means that service users are no longer eligible for supported housing.

Affordability

•Moving into new accommodation is by no means a seamless procedure. With a lack of affordable housing, the only viable alternative for most people is to look at the Private Rented Sector. Unfortunately, a recession and lack of readily available mortgage products had a positive/negative effect on this sector. Landlords were able to become more selective when finding tenants, rental values crept up, and prospective tenants were asked to pay large deposits, upfront rent and pay to furnish their new homes.

2. In the North Liverpool AreaYES!!

Buying or Leasing(An easy decision)

•Stability and certainty for tenants•Self-Regulation (within reason!)•Asset base for our organisation•Financial sustainability and income•Ability to expand the programme and borrow against our assets.

Identifying Suitable PropertiesThe Good

Local Estate AgentsPersonal ContactsRightmoveLand Registry

Searches

The Not-So-Good

Council ListsAuctionsPrivate Landlords

Examples of our workBefore After

What’s Next?Finish redevelopment of our final propertiesOffer permanent contract of employment to

apprenticeLiaise with our current bank to introduce

borrowing facilityContinue with volunteering outreach and

replicate to other sides of our organisationLook forward to Rounds 2, 3, 4 and 5 of this

funding!!