PRIVATE landlords from across West Devon are being invited to a special meeting next month for an update on the very latest information which could be to their benefit.

West Devon Borough Council is staging the forum following similar events in the last few years, which have proved to be a resounding success.

The council has more than 200 local landlords on its register and would welcome any new people who wish to attend.

Information available at the event will include:

l Advice on the housing benefits service;

l Support services available for landlords;

l Facts on Landlords? Associations;

l Leasing arrangements through a registered social landlord;

l A presentation on the borough?s homeless strategy.

Marion Playle, Borough Housing Services manager, stressed the importance the council places on private landlords.

She said: ?The private rented sector is an important part of local housing provision ? we made a commitment to work more closely with private landlords and that?s what we?re doing.

?At our first forum, landlords welcomed the opportunity to talk to us, find out what advice and support we could offer and share experiences with each other. I hope more landlords will take this opportunity and come along to the event.?

The forum takes place today (Thursday) at 7pm at the Council Offices in Kilworthy Park, Tavistock. Refreshments will be available.

If you are a private landlord and would like to attend the forum please contact Kim Makings, housing support officer on 01822 813515 for further information.