Sheffield council tenants staying in properties for longer following huge drop in tenancy terminations

The number of terminations has dropped significantly in the past four years, from 4,769 to 3,498.

Claire Lane, neighbourhood manager, said in a report on the issue: “A contributing factor for the reduction in tenancy terminations is the support that is identified and provided to tenants.

“Staff are working together across council services, partners and the voluntary sector to support tenants.

“This is driving more streamlined, better integrated and individually tailored support. We are now analysing the data from our visits and referrals to understand more about our tenants and the support they need to sustain tenancies. This will help to shape the future service and highlight areas to strengthen.”

The number of tenants ending their contract within two years has reduced from 1,269 five years ago to just 917 last year, with predictions it will reduce even more to 832 by the end of this year.

Less tenants are also terminating their contract within one year, from 675 five years ago to 436 last year.

The council introduced a Housing+ scheme in 2016 to support tenants in sustaining their tenancy.

Part of the scheme included appointing neighbourhood officers with dedicated patches of homes.

Every year the officer visits each household in their patch to try to understand how they can support tenants with sustaining their contract.

The report will be discussed at a safety scrutiny meeting at 5pm, Thursday, March 12.