A NEW Help to Let scheme has been launched in a bid to prevent homelessness across the conurbation.

The scheme, which has been launched by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, aims to support landlords with fewer than 30 properties to provide “affordable private rented tenancies” to local people at risk of becoming homeless.

In return, landlords can receive an incentive of up to £2,000 as well as rent and deposit in advance.

Help to Let has been launched to tackle the lack of affordable and social housing across the area which the council called “insufficient”.

It is hoped around 150 new tenancies will be created through the scene and support 130 households by March 2020, reducing the number of people living in temporary and B&B accommodation.

Councillor Kieron Wilson, cabinet member for housing at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, said: “This is a fantastic and much needed initiative. I would urge local landlords to consider signing up to this scheme which will not only mean receiving an incentive payment but also on-going support from the Council who will be offering 1-2-1 support to tenants to maintain their tenancy.

“The more landlords we can support and enable to offer affordable tenancies, the fewer residents we will see facing homelessness and having to live in emergency and temporary accommodation.”