A PARTNERSHIP linking Eden Housing Association (EHA) and the Cumbria Law Centre has seen tenants benefit from more than £500,000 in welfare and debt relief.

The link was created in April 2013, offering housing association tenants specialist financial help. Case workers and solicitors work two days each week, using EHA offices in Penrith as a base to meet tenants who have pre-booked appointments.

As well as help with debt relief, the team negotiate with creditors and provide budgeting advice.

The Cumbria Law Centre is an independent charity offering specialist legal advice and casework in housing, debt, welfare benefits and employment matters. Last the organisation worked on 213 cases for EHA’s tenants, and while a few were simple advisory issues, most involved substantial legal casework.

Carolyn Greenhalgh, assistant director for housing and support and Eden Housing Association, said that since the start, more than £ 555,000 worth of 'gains' had been made for tenants relating to housing and other benefits, including around £175,000 in debt relief.

Pete Moran, head of the Cumbria Law Centre, said: “Many social landlords offer support to their tenants in matters of debt, benefits and budgeting and do it very well. What is unique about this partnership is that Eden Housing Association has chosen to work with a completely independent legal advice organisation.

"That combination of independence and legal expertise makes the Law Centre a very potent advocate for our clients. I think this shows great confidence and openness on the part of Eden Housing Association, since the Law Centre’s main business also includes representing tenants against landlords in possession and eviction cases.

"The arrangement also means that tenants can speak to expert advisors whom they know will only ever act only in their very best interests, will maintain their confidentially and are fully audited by a legal practice accreditation scheme.”