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Housing options

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The factors that need to be taken into consideration when looking at housing options, must tie in with the 1996 Housing Act, as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002.

Aims

  • To identify a range of move-on accommodation appropriate to the needs of the client
  • To provide a fair and accountable allocation proposal.

Tasks

  • Review the options available with the client in the light of the assessment that has been made, by the resettlement worker in conjunction with any specialist workers who may be involved with the client.
  • Ensure that the widest range of options possible is offered to the client, ensuring that the preferences of the client are taken into consideration, It is important to recognise that some clients may move a few times before they get it right in terms of isolation, self confidence etc.
  • Discuss with the client the level of support recommended, areas where life skills training has been identified as necessary, and other agencies that could be involved.
  • There needs to be a sense of realism, by both client and worker regarding what really can be achieved.
  • If the client agrees with the housing option as part of the resettlement plan, the agreement will be recorded in a resettlement contract. Copies will be given to the client and keyworker, and a copy kept on the resettlement file.

Principles

In the main, projects have limited access to independent move-on accommodation for their clients. Clear nomination policies and procedures must exist, to ensure that the scarce resource is used equitably, efficiently and for those in greatest housing need.

Consideration is given to the extent to which the client has the potential to live independently. It is unfair to the client, the landlord and support workers for clients who are presently incapable of independent living to be put forward inappropriately.

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The Main Options

Social housing (local authority and housing association) move-on accommodation is hard to come by and homelessness projects have increasingly found that they need to make use of the private sector.

NEW The London Housing Foundation is running a programme of research and good practice sharing around use of the Private Rented Sector. Its PRS Symposiums aim to take forward some of the key issues and themes which surfaced at the Future Search conference in July 2007, the aim of which was " to shape a programme of work to maximise the use of the private rented sector for homeless people". For more information on symposiums - taking place in November 07 and January 08 see their dedicated website PrivateRentedSector.Org.Uk

Private sector

  • Private rented - possibly with help from rent bond/deposit schemes
  • Shared ownership schemes
  • Owner occupation

Application for social sector housing

Through

  • The Local authority housing register
  • Application to the local authority homelessness service. Where clients who are in priority need (1996 Housing Act, Section 189) their rehousing is the responsibility of the local authority.
  • Direct application to a housing association or other social landlord

Most housing association properties are now allocated through local authority housing registers and/or common allocation policies. Often these are choice based lettings models.

This may lead to:

  • Local authority housing
  • Housing association
  • Co-operative housing
  • Self-build schemes
  • Foyers

Co-operative housing and self-build schemes carry potential difficulties, financial and security of tenure implications. Some of them impose a lifestyle and activities, which may potentially cause stress to the client. This needs careful consideration.

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Nominations and Quotas

These are gained through special arrangements that your association/project may have with the local authority and local housing associations. They are not easy to get.

For local authority quotas the client needs to be on the housing register and properties are often allocated through choice based lettings schemes.

Sheltered Housing

Provided by local authorities and housing associations and usually only available to older people.

Shared housing

There are a number of supported shared schemes for people with special needs. Support levels vary. Some have workers on-site in office hours, others have workers visiting. There may be out-of-hours call-out in emergencies. These schemes do not provide 24-hour cover.

  • May be the best option:
  • if they need support and are not ready to live alone; or
  • if they do not want to live alone
  • Most shared housing:
  • provides own room and shared facilities
  • may have a support worker visit on a varied basis
  • is only for people who are fairly independent, and can manage to live in close proximity with others.

Some people have very high support needs and require more or less constant care:

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Social Services

  • Registered care provide 24-hour cover, and require funding from social services. Often the funding can be hard to get.

Gaps in the provision, especially for people with dual diagnosis/complex needs:

There are gaps in the provision between supported schemes and registered care: many people fall between the two e.g. people with mental health problems and substance dependency. For some clients, long-term hostel accommodation may be what they want or require. Small hostel places that are long term are not very accessible in some areas.

NOTE:

Refugees - Contact the Refugee Council for the latest guidelines.

Ongoing support

Many people have needs that require ongoing support. Post move-on support is not intended to be permanent. It is now common for this to be floating support, where there is no direct connection between the housing/tenancy and the support, which may often be provided by a different organisation.

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Co-ordination

  • It is the role of the resettlement service to ensure that there is access to the widest possible options for move-on.
  • Ensure as far as possible that there is access to accommodation that meets the needs of minority and excluded groups e.g. lesbian and gay people, black and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.
  • Advise the client as fully as possible on all available options and the potential consequences of those options.
  • Ensure that the initial referral is made.
  • Respond to letters of offer.

Rural issues

  • See more on the issues of housing options specific to rural services in the section on the Environment in Theory.
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Advocacy

  • The resettlement workers should ensure that an effective case is made on behalf of the client with regard to the allocation of nominations.
  • If the client disagrees, a further meeting will be held with them present to put into the account their views and reasons for disagreement.
  • This should be open to appeal, if the client is still not satisfied with what is offered.

Minimum Standards

  • Nominations must be made in line with the project's equal opportunities policy.
  • Individuals should not take decisions on nominations. Resettlement workers should discuss and decide on potential nominees at project meetings.
  • All processes should include mechanisms for accountability, review, appeals etc.

Evaluation

  • Care should be taken to ensure that the client is as far as possible satisfied with what is being offered.
  • Nominations must be checked out in the case management section of supervision with the line manager.

Skills, knowledge and training

  • Knowledge of current housing legislation e.g. 1996 Housing Act, as amended
  • Knowledge/experience of homeless people and the main reasons why people become homeless.
  • Knowledge of the nominations policy of local housing providers.
  • Current knowledge of what housing is available in the particular locality.
  • Knowledge of the Children Act.
  • Community care options.
  • Knowledge of immigration law and housing options.
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Created by beth.coyne
Last modified 2007-10-15 12:24 PM
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