Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Legal News

Barnet Council launches Homeshare scheme (24 March 2017)

Date: 24/03/2017
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Barnet Council launches Homeshare scheme

Barnet Council has launched a scheme whereby residents who need help at home offer a room for rent and receive help from their tenant.

The Homeshare scheme is run by the charity Novus and matches people who want live-in help or support around the house with people who need accommodation and are willing to offer assistance.

Householders with a spare room receive 40 hours of help per month for tasks such as cooking, laundry, gardening, shopping and companionship.

Barnet Council says that, although the majority of householders are elderly residents, the scheme also caters for people with special needs.

Relatives concerned about loved ones living by themselves are also encouraged to find out more about the scheme, designed to give peace of mind that their relatives are not alone.

Under the scheme, householders pay £130 per month, which covers the administration costs, as well as receiving regular check-ups to see how things are going.

The monthly cost of a room for homesharers is £199.34 a month – much less than the average rent cost of rooms in London.

All homesharers go through a vetting system that includes criminal record and background checks, as well as an interview, before being introduced to householders.

Business Development Manager of Novus Homeshare, Phil Ashford, said:

“We’re pleased to be working with Barnet Council to extend the programme to the borough’s residents – we’ve already received excellent feedback elsewhere in London, and I hope that the service proves to be of use here, too.”

Chairman of Adults and Safeguarding Committee, Councillor Sachin Rajput, added:

“This fantastic scheme is helping us to tackle two of Barnet’s biggest challenges – providing affordable care, as well as cheaper housing options.

“We know how much people enjoy being able to stay in their own home – and the benefits that come with doing so.

“Homeshare allows those participating to maintain their independence and dignity, while knowing help is always there should they need it.”


Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise on a wide range of housing law, including advising developers and self builders on planning permissions and planning appeals.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales and our housing team is also able to advise on:

  • Debt management for homeowners
  • Disrepair of rented property
  • Housing Benefit
  • Housing possession
  • Landlords’ obligations
  • Landlord and tenant disputes
  • Lease extensions
  • Local Authority housing
  • Mortgage repossession
  • Notice to quit
  • Nuisance neighbours
  • Right to Buy
  • Right to Rent checks
  • Tenancy agreements
  • Unlawful eviction.

  • For expert legal advice on housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

    Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
    Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is Spencer House, 29 Grove Hill Road, Harrow, HA1 3BN. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.