A charity in Kilburn helping residents renting in the private sector has received a boost in funding from the government to expand its work.

Advice4Renters (A4R) in Willesden Lane has received £80, 000 from the cabinet office to provide the valuable services vulnerable private renters and homeless families in the area rely on.

Jacky Peacock, A4R, chief executive, said legal aid funding, the charity’s main source of income, has been reduced by more than £1,000 a month putting pressure on services. She added: “We need to take a close look at the way we deliver our services to make sure that we can continue to give specialist housing advice and support to those who need it most.”

A4R will be working with business and not-for-profit partners in three key areas.

They will make sure that the resources they have to deliver free advice and support are used in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Services will be developed that are both needed in the community and can generate an income so they can offer free services to more people.

They will also train and support tenants to identify potential housing problems at the earliest stage, through public legal education, which equips people with the knowledge and skills to avoid the crises that can only be sorted out with professional legal help.

Lawrence Walker, development officer at Locality, a national network of community led organisations which will co-ordinate the project, said: “Advice4Renters does truly amazing work in Brent and the surrounding areas, and we know how vital it is for them to continue and to grow. This will be a really challenging and exciting time for both our organisations.”

For more information visit advice4renters.org.uk.