Desperate people in need of a home are to receive help getting a deposit together to rent private accommodation.

Basildon Council housing committee decided last night to fund a Deposit Guarantee Scheme being set up by the Community Resource Centre in Basildon.

The pilot scheme will cost £13,000 to set up and run for nine months. It will help up to 50 people who are not considered a priority under homeless legislation.

Private landlords would be issued with a Deposit Guarantee Certificate which would protect against theft or damage.

A fixed figure the council would be willing to cover would be agreed beforehand. A figure of £21,000 has been set aside to deal with such possible claims.Tenants will be required to provide the first £50 towards a deposit.

Research from other districts which have run similar schemes has found that where tenants are asked to pay a sum at the outset, little damage or theft occurs.

Basildon Council chairman, Paul Kirkman, said: "I think it's a wonderful scheme and will be a great comfort to the people looking for a house. I warmly welcome it."

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