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Future of 180 vulnerable tenants in doubt as charity goes into liquidation

Around 180 vulnerable tenants in Lancashire are at risk of becoming homeless after a charity providing them with housing filed for liquidation.

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Methodist Action North West (MANW), which provides accommodation leased from private landlords for homeless people, agreed this week to file for insolvency.

In a statement the charity said it is “urgently” working with the local authorities to find a solution for its tenants.

MANW made a £398,815 loss in 2015/16 and a £267,173 loss in 2016/17, while its accounts for 2017/18 are 46 days overdue.

It is regulated by the Charity Commission but is not registered with the Regulator of Social Housing.


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Amanda Latham and Ken Wales, co-chairs of MANW, said: “The board of MANW met on Monday evening this week with an insolvency practitioner, and in view of the financial position has resolved to place the charity in voluntary liquidation.

“All creditors and interested parties will be notified directly. The board is acting urgently with local authorities and others to preserve the interests of our tenants.”

MANW also runs Fox Street Community, which provides support and shelter to homeless men in Preston.

The charity was formed in 1978 when Preston Central Methodist Church became involved in social action projects across the area. In 1985 it began providing overnight shelter for the street homeless, before opening some purpose-built night shelters in 1995.

Nweeda Khan, cabinet member for communities and social justice at Preston City Council, said: “Preston City Council will be working closely with Methodist Action North West and any other partner agencies during the next few weeks to minimise the impact to tenants in Preston.”

A spokesperson for Lancaster City Council said: “We are aware of the situation regarding the liquidation of Methodist Action North West.

“The council is holding urgent discussions with MANW to assist in finding a solution to ensure the affected residents’ homes are secured.”

Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for finance, property and assets at South Ribble Borough Council, said: “We are aware of the current position of Methodist Action North West. We have a very small number of properties which could be affected and we will be meeting with them as soon as possible find out more about the situation.”

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