How we make a difference

Different sectors of Shelter work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for people in housing need. Here’s how it works:

Services

identify a problem and pass on evidence to the Policy and Research team.

Policy and Research

build a picture of situation nationally and recommend new laws and policies to solve the problem.

The Campaigns team

mobilise support for our recommendations among supporters, MPs and the general public.

Services

Meanwhile, Services find practical ways to cope with the problem in the short term.

Legislative change

Under pressure from Shelter’s campaigning and lobbying efforts, the Government announces change.

The solution

A better situation for people in housing need.

A real life example

The problem: rent deposits unfairly withheld

Shelter collects evidence that many private renters on Assured Shorthold Tenancies are having deposit money withheld unfairly, demonstrating the urgent need for legislation for Government regulation of tenancy deposits.

Policy and research

Government publishes tenancy deposit consultation paper and evaluation of its pilot deposit protection scheme (2002). Based on these, Shelter’s policy unit recommends:

introducing a national scheme to collect and hold deposit money
independent adjudication for all disputes over return of deposits
inventories for all furnished and semi-furnished lets.

Campaigns

Shelter urges its campaigners to show support for Shelter’s recommendations and get them made law in the Housing Bill (2004).

Services – the housing advice centre

In Stratford, north-east London, Shelter caseworkers notice huge numbers of private tenants from Eastern Europe having their tenancy deposits withheld unfairly by unscrupulous landlords.

Services – the specialist project

In response, Shelter sets up the East London Multilingual Private Tenancy Advice Project, to offer housing support and financial advice to this vulnerable community.

Legislative change

in March 2007 the Government announces that Tenancy Deposit Protection Schemes will come into force from April 6.

The solution: tangible benefits for people in housing need

Shelter research, policy recommendations, and campaign efforts all played a crucial role in persuading the Government to introduce these groundbreaking schemes, which will have immediate benefit for some of the most vulnerable communities.