Meet Gary, one of our dedicated Housing Advisers, who has achieved an incredible milestone: keeping 100% of his clients in their homes. Gary’s work involves advocating for City of Edinburgh Council tenants facing court proceedings due to rent arrears. His expertise, empathy, and persistence make a profound difference in the lives of those at risk of homelessness. Read on to discover how Gary navigates the complexities of housing advice.
“I cover the City of Edinburgh’s Councils court representation service, through the Edinburgh Housing Advice Partnership (EHAP) funded project. My clients are City of Edinburgh Council tenants who are in court with rent arrears. We also have an arrangement with the council to take early intervention cases to attempt to stop the client progressing to court.
During the first appointment I check to ensure that the clients are in receipt of their full entitlements. If I identify any other support that I believe they would benefit from I would assist them with this. If it is out with my remit, I would refer or signpost the client to the appropriate advisor or agency. I then negotiate on behalf of the client with their housing officer to agree a repayment plan to cover rent and arrears moving forward. I ensure this is affordable for the client and agreeable to the landlord.
It is often the case that the clients have a change in circumstances and the offer must be renegotiated. If a client has defaulted on their arrangement and their housing officer is not willing to accept an amended offer this results in City of Edinburgh Council seeking decree for eviction and payment.
As a lay representative at the Heritable Court on Friday mornings, I stand for the clients and confirm any agreed position that is in place. If there is no agreed position and the solicitor for the Council is seeking decree. I am then required to oppose the motion from the pursuer and submit a counter motion to explain the defender’s situation and make a suitable offer for the Sheriff’s consideration.
The work itself can be stressful and frustrating at times, but I very much enjoy it. I take a great deal of satisfaction in helping people who are in this difficult situation, and I am proud of the fact that in the 6 years doing this job I have not had a single client that I have represented, evicted. Maintaining a 100% record of preventing homelessness and retaining their tenancies.”
