HWRA works closely with Harlow Council on policy and other matters affecting Harlow residents. Much of this work is aimed at preventing homelessness and other problems from arising or at tackling them at an early stage.

HWRA contributes to Harlow Council’s corporate priorities, in particular the regeneration of the town and tackling housing needs. Examples of relevant work include advocacy on behalf of people threatened with repossession by lenders or private landlords (reducing the call on social housing) and helping local people to claim benefit entitlements. This has a positive impact on the local economy.

HWRA’s work also contributes to some of the Harlow 2020 Partnership’s values for the future development of the town e.g. by tackling issues of inequality such as poverty and access to quality jobs.

HWRA aims to improve services to mutual clients through contact with organisations such as the Council’s housing, council tax and benefit services, the Department for Work and Pensions, Citizens Advice Bureaux and local solicitors.

HWRA is represented on Advice UK, the national body which represents and supports the independent advice sector. Staff have also attended meetings of Advice Alliance East, the Advice Services Alliance, the Essex Benefits Network, Justice for All and other national and regional bodies to keep abreast of developments and to discuss issues where the advice sector might need to influence future policy or highlight flaws in legislation.  HWRA is also actively supporting the development of an advice network for Essex.

Policy issues are referred to the local MP and local Councillors where appropriate.

For more information, click this link to our ANNUAL REPORTS.