IN the wake of key legislative and policy changes regarding the private rented sector, Cotswold District Council is launching a new Private Landlord’s Forum for local landlords.

The proposed date for the first meeting is Tuesday, May 14 from 5pm – 6.30pm in the Council Chamber, Cotswold District Council, Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1PX.

The aim of the Forum will be to:

· - Gain feedback on the Council's proposed new incentive scheme.

· - Support and inform landlords about key legislative/policy changes concerning the private rented sector.

· - Give presentations in partnership with Housing Benefits, Universal Credit, The National Landlord’s Association, the Citizens Advice Bureau and more.

· - Provide an arena for landlords to share best practice and discuss how to work together to provide good quality housing to local people.

· - Enable landlords to voice concerns with the Council and receive the council's support.

If you would like to attend, email your interest and what you would like to see on the agenda to Chauncy Seed, Housing Property Manager at chauncy.seed@publicagroup.uk.

If successful, this will be one of a series of similar meetings in future.

The Department for Work and Pensions has launched a campaign to raise awareness and understanding of Universal Credit amongst private and social rented landlords. Spearheaded by partners in the sector, it features real life case studies from landlords as they explain in their own words their experience of working with the department to support tenants who are claiming Universal Credit.

A suite of new products has also been developed to help landlords understand what Universal Credit means for them. This includes a toolkit for landlords consisting of a top tips guide, explainer videos, a template article for use in newsletters and e-bulletins and a recommended social media plan with suggested copy and assets to use across their own channels.