A Knowsley Housing Trust project to crack down on loan sharks has been named as one of the best examples of localism at work in the country.
The Shop a Shark project is one of 16 housing association schemes across the country highlighted in a new Placeshapers report called Localism That Works.
KHT was chosen because of its innovative work around loan sharks, which has helped tackle the scourge of illegal lending and boost financial inclusion.
Bob Taylor, KHT Chief Executive said: “We believe localism is a key opportunity to empower residents to work with us to improve their neighbourhoods and life chances.
“Housing associations are perfectly placed to deliver this and the Placeshapers report shows how much excellent work is already happening up and down the country.”
The Shop a Shark project, launched in 2008, provides tenants with the support, advice and protection to report illegal lending activity in their neighbourhoods.
It also directs them to alternative sources of finance such as local credit unions and support available from KHT benefit, debt and energy efficiency advisors.
This work has helped tenants to better manage their finances, saving residents an estimated £166,000 in loan charges and leading to KHT’s lowest level of evictions for rent arrears in 2010.
The project is run in partnership with the England Illegal Money Lending Team and together they held an action month in September, targeting awareness and support to 2000 homes in areas with higher than average rent arrears.
Bob added: “Illegal lenders cause untold misery for families and we will do everything we can to remove this threat from our neighbourhoods and help people manage debt.
“This project is just one of the ways we go above and beyond our role as a landlord.”
Shop a Shark has also been recognised in shortlists for the Guardian Public Services Awards 2011 and Knowsley Business Awards.
KHT is now focusing on the impact of welfare reform and how they can support tenants through the changes.
Comments