EUKN - United Kingdom - Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities

Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities - UK

Introduction

Statutory guidance on how local authorities should exercise their homelessness functions and apply the various statutory criteria in practice.

Description

Provides guidance on housing authorities' duties to:

carry out a homelessness review and to publish a strategy based on the results of that review;
and to develop a strategy to prevent homelessness in their district and to ensure advice about homelessness and its prevention is available free of charge.

Sets out examples of action taken to combat the more common causes of homelessness. Looks at options available to increase the supply of new housing and maximise the use of the existing housing stock. Outlines the importance of support services in preventing and tackling homelessness. Details guidance on working in partnership with other agencies. Provides guidance on applications, inquiries, decisions, and notifications. Describes how to determine whether a person is homeless or threatened with homelessness, and whether homelessness was intentional or unintentional. Details the categories of applicant who have priority need.

Looks at duties relating to:

sixteen and seventeen year olds;
co-operation in certain cases involving children;
securing accommodation;
determining the suitability of accommodation;
referring an applicant to another housing authority;
reviews of decisions and appeals;
protection of personal property;
contracting out homelessness functions.

Contact info

Department for Communities and Local Government
Phone: +44 20 7944 4400
contactus@communities.gsi.gov.uk

Publication date

01/07/2006

Article info
Author: Department for Communities and Local Government

Links

Visit the Department for Communities and Local Government website

Homelessness code of guidance for local authorities (PDF, Eng, 1.7 MB)

Document type

policy

Themes

Urban Policy > Housing > Housing policy

Keywords

Homelessness