An emergency service also operates during the night and at weekends on 01636 650000.

We aim to:

  • Offer free impartial and confidential housing advice to all who approach the service
  • To assist homeless households in-line with the council's statutory duties
  • To provide a friendly, quality service, in-line with our customer promise, offering a range of housing options
  • To prevent homelessness wherever possible
  • To provide creative, innovative solutions for a wide range of housing problems
  • To empower households to seek solutions to their housing problems.

Housing advice

If you are experiencing housing difficulties, for whatever reason, then you should seek advice at the earliest opportunity. We always aim to seek a solution to your given situation by providing a choice of housing options or signposting you to a relevant organisation that is more able to deal with your circumstance.

Homelessness prevention

If you are threatened with homelessness, our first priority will be to try to prevent you from becoming homeless. Housing options officers will aim to intervene as early as possible to enable you to either remain in your existing home, delay homelessness long enough to allow a planned move, or through exploring other housing options, find and secure alternative accommodation - all of which will reduce the need to place you in temporary accommodation.

Statutory Homelessness

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to prevent someone from becoming homeless, in which case you will need to complete a statutory application with a Housing Options Officer. The officer will then conduct a routine investigation to determine whether you are eligible, unintentionally homeless and in priority need.

Homelessness is governed by the Housing Act 1996 Part VII as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002. For homeless households we will assist in-line with the council's statutory duties. We can only secure or offer temporary accommodation for applicants who are eligible under the above legislation.

We will always aim to process your application as quickly as possible while being supportive and helpful during what can often be a difficult and traumatic time. In order to assist we may need to contact other organisations such as your bank, building society or social services. We will always ask for your authorisation before we contact such organisations and any information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.

When the housing options officer has made a decision on your application, they will aim to inform you within 3 working days. Should your application be rejected, you have the right to appeal.

Rate This Page

Edit this page