Our ambitions

Our focus remains on responding to the complex and changing challenges faced by people at risk of homelessness. The pressure on the private rented sector continues to grow, with rents rising due to demand and the sector itself shrinking for those on low incomes. At the same time, property standards and environmental expectations are increasing, which shape the type and cost of housing available. While the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act may offer new rights to tenants, it could also create new barriers, deterring some landlords from letting to people with complex needs.

For example, The Renters’ Rights Act increases grounds-based evictions, which are more likely to result in intentional homelessness decisions, further reducing options for vulnerable single people and increasing the risk of rough sleeping.

For people on low incomes in housing crisis choice is already limited. We are committed to helping our beneficiaries navigate these changes, which means staying agile and informed. Our local market knowledge and community relationships are key strengths, and we will continue to adapt and advocate for solutions that work.

With changes to the welfare system, increasing rents and demand outstripping supply, many private Landlords have been put off renting to homeless people on benefits. The Bond Board has successfully developed positive relationships with a large range of Landlords and Letting Agents across Greater Manchester, however, with additional resources we could do more. We are seeking opportunities to provide support, change perceptions and break down the barriers that exist amongst Landlords and Letting agents so that more homeless people on low incomes can find a new place to call home.

The  ongoing cost of living crisis is pushing many to breaking point. There is an increase in demand from existing service users as well as those who are new to the system with issues such debt, food and fuel poverty and rent arrears. A major challenge is sustaining the 574 formerly homeless households living in the PRS with Bond Guarantees.  Without sustained relational support, risks around arrears, ASB, neighbour conflict, mental health deterioration, safeguarding concerns and eviction escalate quickly. There is an urgent need for more early, specialist homeless prevention support to both tenants and landlords to ensure as many people as possible avoid the trauma of homelessness, alongside practical help such as access to food, fuel and toiletries. This will be particularly relevant in 2026 with the introduction of the Renters Reform Act.

Social isolation and loneliness are major themes to emerge from our ‘Sustainable Livelihoods’ research project with service users. We are committed to delivering on the feedback from our service users and finding creative and innovative solutions to enable people to feel more connected and less alone. We are therefore actively seeking opportunities to support homeless and vulnerable people to build their resilience and reduce social isolation.

We are seeking opportunities to enhance The Bond Board’s resilience to ensure we can rise to the challenge of continuing to deliver quality assured services following Covid 19 and throughout the cost of living crisis. As such, we are delighted to be supported with a grant from The Leathersellers’ Company Charitable Fund.

We are seeking opportunities to expand The Bond Board’s Peer Support model into a structured 1:1 Recovery Peer Support offer. Peer supporters are effective for people who mistrust formal services or experience isolation, anxiety or low confidence. This low‑cost, relational approach strengthens stability and reduces the risk of tenancy breakdown. Evidence from 2025 shows the model’s impact: seven of our Peer Support Volunteers supported 22 people into PRS housing and increased incomes for 174 peers.