Photo: starweekly.com.au

From July, the Tenancy and Consumer Program will receive $1.1 million extra each year from 2017-21 – a funding boost of 33 per cent.

It means better services for renters and consumers, more accessibility, more frontline staff and will deliver a dedicated retirement housing service for the first time in Victoria’s history.

Family violence victims experiencing tenancy issues will also be given priority access under the new program.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz today announced the successful applicants of the Tenancy and Consumer Program tender process.

Funding includes:

• More than $2.1 million for the Tenants Union of Victoria to continue their expertise in providing tenancy specific legal advice and professional development for community workers
• $3.1 million for the Consumer Action Law Centre, which will work to address systemic issues and support vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers
• $1 million for Housing for the Aged Action Group to provide support to Victorians aged 55 or over who live in retirement and rental villages, or as permanent residents of caravan and residential parks

In total, more than $18 million over four years will be invested in the delivery of local assistance and advocacy services.

The spend also includes $11.4 million for 13 community based agencies to deliver the Tenancy Assistance and Advocacy Program across Victoria and provide localised services to vulnerable and disadvantaged tenants.

Consumer Affairs Victoria will work with the selected agencies in coming months to finalised funding agreements and operating protocols for the new program.