Our service is broken down into 5 different teams:
- Housing Supply Team
- Housing Placement Team
- Housing Management Team
- Rough Sleeper Initiative and Supported Accommodation Team
- Housing Income Team
What do we do?
We work closely with private landlords and B&B owners working alongside legal services in setting up new heads of terms and setting up lease agreements in order to use their properties for the purpose of temporary accommodation to support the community and those in need of housing. We conduct property audits ensuring properties are compliant and arrange fire risk assessments for all properties.
We identify suitable emergency accommodation, such as a hostels or bed and breakfasts, but availability can be limited. As a result, placements may sometimes be outside the local area, as we can only allocate where vacancies exist.
While you are staying in bed and breakfast accommodation, Housing Officers will visit regularly to provide support and ensure that property standards and compliance requirements are maintained.
Following a homelessness decision, you may be offered further temporary accommodation, such as a hostel or self-contained property. If you are moving from bed and breakfast accommodation, please be aware that relocation may be required at short notice. When you move, a Housing Officer will arrange a sign-up appointment to explain the process in detail, provide and explain your tenancy agreement, and share all relevant information you need at that time.
As part of the sign up process, your Housing Officer will schedule visits to make sure you’ve settled into your temporary accommodation. We’ll manage your tenancy, including rent collection, client contribution collection and any arrears, and ensure your property is safe, comfortable, and well maintained. We will carry out estate inspections to ensure communal areas are safe, well-maintained and provide a good living environment for residents. Repairs and safety checks will be arranged promptly when needed.
Housing Officers are also here to address any concerns, such as anti-social behaviour or safeguarding issues, and will take action if tenancy rules are breached. You’ll receive advice on housing matters and be signposted to other helpful services.
When it’s time to move on, we’ll provide references on request for the time you’ve spent in temporary accommodation.
Our service works in close partnership with other agencies and support services to assist individuals who may be sleeping rough. We collaborate with both Adult and Children’s Services to ensure suitable temporary accommodation is provided for vulnerable adults and children.