Local authorities have a legal obligation to assist people who are losing their home, or have no home at all. The Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Housing Act 2002) lays down how we must deal with homelessness, and for whom we must find temporary accommodation. Unfortunately, this is NOT for everyone who is homeless.
When dealing with an application, certain facts must be established. We need to know whether an applicant:
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is eligible for assistance (if they have recourse to public funds);
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is homeless, or threatened with homelessness, at the time of the application;
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would fall within a priority need category, as stated in the Act;
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is intentionally homeless;
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has a local connection with the Borough, as stated in the Act.
Once all the above enquires have been made, we will inform you of our decision in writing. If you meet the above criteria, we will ensure that you have temporary accommodation.
For more information, please contact Homelessness Section, Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4AH. Telephone 01256 845250
Homelessness Strategy
The revised homelessness strategy (from 2008) was approved by cabinet on 29th July 2008, although the relevant sections will be incorporated into the full Housing Homelessness and Benefits strategy. This broader document will be considered for approval by Full Council in October 2008.
The relevant homelessness sections (2008 - 11) can be downloaded below along with feedback from the Homelessness Conference, which was the starting point for the strategy and action plan.
