Northampton homeless charity closes following funding row with council
Northampton Association for Accommodation for Single Homeless (NAASH) look after around 200 people.
A Northampton homeless charity working in the county since the year 2000 say they have to close after a funding dispute with West Northants Council (WNC).
Northampton Association for Accommodation for Single Homeless (NAASH) say the council haven't paid housing benefits to their tenants since March.
They charity who look after 200 single homeless people, have been in a dispute with WNC who say housing benefit cannot be paid as the benefit claims 'did not meet the government guidelines.'
NAASH Service Director Theresa Kelly says the charity have provided supporting evidence for nearly 400 housing benefit claims dating back to April 2023. But all claims have been cancelled, despite the charity pointing out the that those in their services were referred to them by WNC themselves.
Theresa Kelly says:
"This situation has significantly damaged our longstanding partnership with the council, with whom NAASH has collaborated for the past 18 years."
She says WNC threatened legal action against NAASH officers and trustees if evictions were carried out. But says she doesn't know what WNC expected NAASH to do under these circumstances.
In a statement West Northants Cllr Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said:
"While the Council has a duty to ensure any eviction process is lawful, WNC cannot influence NAASH’s eviction decisions, take steps to close the organisation or prevent its closure, but will step in to support residents where possible.
"West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is however taking steps to support tenants who may be at risk of eviction or homelessness given the vulnerability of some tenants. Each case is being looked at individually so that tailored support can be offered.
"The decision to close has followed a long period of discussion and negotiation related to housing benefit claimed for tenants’ support at the properties. The Council was forced to stop paying this when it became clear that the claims did not meet the government guidelines."
WNC is encouraging anyone affected to seek advice as early as possible. Residents who are at risk of homelessness can contact the Council’s housing team via the self-referral portal or visit our offices in Northampton, Daventry or Towcester from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday."