(Three days in a) life on MARS

Abstract

Purpose

This case study seeks to provide insight into the day‐to‐day operation of the MARS scheme, a service offered by Mansfield District Council to help homeless households secure good quality, affordable accommodation in the private rented sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Beginning with a brief reflection of the development of the scheme, the study moves on to focus on three typical days in the life of the MARS Senior Tenancy Support Officer, demonstrating how the service identifies suitable tenants and good quality properties and offers ongoing practical support and advice to landlords and their tenants to deliver sustainable tenancies.

Findings

The study goes on to reflect on the development of the scheme, evidencing the effectiveness of MARS both in preventing homelessness and reducing the number of empty homes in the Mansfield District.

Originality/value

Ongoing funding difficulties have threatened the future of the MARS scheme and the study reveals how the Council intends to address these challenges in the longer term to ensure that the MARS scheme can continue to be delivered to landlords and tenants in Mansfield.

Citation

Palmer, V. (2011), "(Three days in a) life on MARS", Housing, Care and Support, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 67-71. https://doi.org/10.1108/14608791111187429