CLACKS’ Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has received nearly £40,000 to fund support sessions for private tenants to fully inform them of their housing rights and responsibilities.

The £38,710 was awarded by the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust, and will go towards CAB’s Housing Advice and Mediation Service (HAMES) project for the next two years.

HAMES aims to assist 100 Wee County tenants per year, by giving them a better understanding of what they should expect from a private tenancy.

It will also involve providing people with budgeting guidance, including undertaking checks and assisting with applications for those entitled to benefits.

As well as assisting tenants, workshops will also be held for landlords to educate them on issues such as tenancy deposits, common repairs and safety repairs.

It is hoped that the efforts will contribute to a reduction in evictions and disputes in the local private rented sector (PRS).

Jonny Miller, Clacks CAB’s managing director, said: “Being awarded such a significant level of funding is testament to the potential of the HAMES project.

“The money will enable us to provide a specialist, dedicated advice service to both tenants and landlords within the PRS in Clackmannanshire.

“This is of particular importance given our experience, and evidence suggests that not everyone is fully aware of their legal rights and responsibilities.

“This project will work closely with both tenants and landlords to meet these obligations, while at the same time looking at early resolution of any issues or areas of dispute.”

John Duff, chairman of the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust, said: “The Trust is proud to have funded such a wide range of important projects that share our aims of making the PRS in Scotland fairer for all parties.”

For further details about the Alloa-based Clacks CAB’s opening times and services, use this link: tinyurl.com/y727lslb.