This policy explains how the council will meet its legislative requirements when considering the suitability of emergency and temporary accommodation placements.
Dorset Council will assess the suitability of all temporary accommodation on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual circumstances of the applicant and their household. Priority will be given to ensuring that accommodation is safe and suitable in relation to health, welfare, and safeguarding needs.
In making this assessment, the council will consider a range of relevant factors, including but not limited to those set out in this policy, alongside the availability of accommodation and the level of competing demand within Dorset and neighbouring areas at the time of placement.
In line with legislative requirements relating to suitability assessments, the council will consider:
- level of any disruption to employment, caring responsibilities, or education
- proximity and accessibility of the accommodation to medical facilities and recognised support services
- proximity and accessibility of the accommodation to local services and transport links
- affordability
- distance of the accommodation from Dorset
All emergency and temporary accommodation will be expected to meet relevant health and safety standards, including those relating to gas, electrical, and fire safety, and the broader requirements set out in statutory guidance. Consideration will be given to whether facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry areas are shared, and the impact this may have on the applicant and their household.
8.1 Emergency and temporary accommodation size
The council will consider the size, layout, and bedroom provision of any emergency or temporary accommodation and will aim to provide accommodation that is suitable for the size and composition of the household. Wherever possible, accommodation will meet normal bedroom and space requirements.
The council may make temporary accommodation placements that exceed occupancy standards where necessary to comply with its statutory duties and where no suitable alternative accommodation is available. In these circumstances, the decision will be subject to a documented suitability assessment, appropriate management oversight, and regular review until more suitable accommodation becomes available.
8.2 Affordability
In exceptional circumstances, where accommodation that is affordable without additional support is not available, the Council may make a placement following an assessment of the household's circumstances, including consideration of any financial assistance that may be available. This may include the provision of financial assistance by the Council, welfare support, or other appropriate measures. Such placements will be subject to regular review to ensure the accommodation remains suitable and that affordability concerns are addressed at the earliest reasonable opportunity.
8.3 Location
The location of accommodation is an essential element of suitability. In accordance with section 208 of the Housing Act 1996, the council will seek to secure accommodation within the Dorset Council area wherever reasonably practicable.
Where this is not possible, accommodation may be secured outside the area, and in such cases will be located as close to Dorset as reasonably practicable, having regard to suitability and safety.
The Council will consider how the location may affect the applicant’s employment, including whether they can continue working. Consideration will be given to whether the applicant’s job requires specialist or professional qualifications, or whether their skills are transferable and they could reasonably find similar employment in another area.
The Council will consider the impact of the location on education, particularly for households with children, including during key stages of education and examination periods. The Council will also have regard to its duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, including their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
The Council will consider the impact on any care arrangements or responsibilities, whether provided or received by the applicant or members of their household.
Consideration will also be given to access to essential services, including healthcare, public transport, local amenities, and support networks.
When emergency or temporary accommodation is secured outside the Dorset area to discharge the Council's homelessness duties, a documented assessment will explain why the placement is necessary and the circumstances of the case. These placements will be reviewed regularly to ensure more suitable accommodation is secured as soon as reasonably practicable and will remain under review until a more suitable or closer placement becomes available, subject to availability and demand. Where appropriate, the Council will work with partner agencies to minimise disruption.
8.4 Health, welfare and disability-related needs
The Council will consider any health, medical, welfare support, and disability related needs of the applicant or members of their household when assessing suitability, including the likely impact of the accommodation on those needs.
Any identified support needs, including those arising from vulnerability or risk factors, will be considered. The Council will also consider the impact of disruption to existing support arrangements and what steps can reasonably be taken to maintain appropriate support.
Relevant information provided by health professionals, social care, or other agencies will be considered where available.
The Council will consider whether the applicant has any relevant protected characteristics in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, the extent of them, and what their likely effect would be in relation to any proposed emergency or temporary accommodation.
8.5 Risk of violence, abuse or harassment
Any known or likely risk of violence, domestic abuse, harassment, hate crime, exploitation, stalking and safeguarding concerns towards the applicant or members of their household will be considered and treated as a significant factor in assessing suitability. Accommodation will not be regarded as suitable where the location of the accommodation may place any member of the household at risk of harm. In these circumstances, it may be necessary to secure accommodation outside the district to protect the safety and wellbeing of the household. Relevant information provided by the applicant and partner agencies will be taken into account when making these placement decisions.
8.6 Expected length of occupation
When assessing the suitability of a placement, the likely duration of the placement will be taken into account. Accommodation that is suitable for a short-term placement may not be suitable for a longer-term placement. Placements will be reviewed periodically to ensure that they remain suitable, taking into account both the anticipated and actual length of occupation.
8.7 Specific groups
The council recognises some households may require additional consideration due to their vulnerability and will have due regard to any relevant statutory duties and guidance. This policy aims to ensure suitable emergency or further temporary accommodation is provided to all households, including specific groups identified in legislation and statutory guidance, including care leavers, pregnant women, households with children, disabled people, older people, survivors of domestic abuse, young people and those with welfare, health and/or support needs.
For care leavers, the council will consider their age, maturity, current and required care and support arrangements, including any responsibilities owed by Children’s Services.
For pregnant women and households expecting a child, the council will have regard to legal restrictions relating to the use of bed and breakfast accommodation. The council will ensure accommodation is safe, appropriately located for access to healthcare and support networks.
The council will seek to provide placements that take account of the age and individual circumstances of all members of the household. It will consider the specific needs of younger and older people, including factors such as personal safety, independence, health and wellbeing, and access to education, employment, healthcare, carers, support networks, and social networks.
For households that have experienced, or are at risk of, domestic abuse, the council will assess the safety of the household, the level of risk, and any need to access specialist support services. Placements may be made outside the Dorset Council area where necessary to safeguard household members from harm and may include additional security measures.
8.8 Accommodation standards and checks
The council will take all reasonable steps to ensure that all emergency and temporary accommodation used is suitable, safe, and of an acceptable standard. It will carry out checks and inspections to ensure compliance with relevant property standards and health and safety requirements, including statutory certification. This will include ensuring relevant documentation, including but not limited to the EICR, landlord gas safety record and Fire Safety Risk Assessment being compliant and all safety requirements actioned.
Reports of disrepair, hazards, and defects will be investigated, and appropriate remedial action or mitigation measures will be taken to ensure that the accommodation remains suitable throughout the period of occupation.
Where any accommodation arrangement includes roles and responsibilities for a third party, agent, or provider, the council will seek assurance that the accommodation meets relevant legal and compliance requirements. Third parties, agents, and providers are expected to maintain accommodation and respond promptly to repairs, health and safety issues, and compliance matters where these may affect the suitability of the accommodation.
8.9 Pets
Where reasonably practicable, Dorset Council will seek to secure temporary accommodation that enables households to remain with their pets or other companion animals. This will be subject to the availability of suitable accommodation and any restrictions imposed by accommodation providers, managing agents, landlords, or other third parties.
When assessing the suitability of temporary accommodation, the Council will take into account the household's circumstances, including the presence and welfare needs of any pets or companion animals. Whilst reasonable efforts will be made to identify suitable accommodation, this may not always be possible due to factors including, but not limited to, property size, health and safety requirements, licensing conditions, the type or number of animals, location, and restrictions imposed by accommodation providers away from our owned stock.
Where emergency accommodation is required, particularly outside normal working hours or where accommodation options are limited to support the emergency need, Dorset Council may need to secure the most suitable accommodation available at the time, irrespective of whether animals can be accommodated. In such circumstances, the Council's primary duty is to prevent homelessness and secure safe accommodation for the household. Where pets cannot initially be accommodated, the Council will consider whether alternative accommodation can reasonably be secured at the earliest opportunity, subject to availability and suitability.
Applicants remain responsible for the care, control, and welfare of their animals at all times. Where accommodation that can accommodate pets cannot be secured, households may need to make alternative temporary arrangements for their animals. Dorset Council may, where appropriate, provide information about organisations or services that may be able to assist, but responsibility for such arrangements rests with the applicant.
Households must inform the Council as early as possible of any pets or companion animals that form part of their household and provide any information reasonably requested. Early notification will assist the Council in assessing accommodation options and suitability. Accommodation suitable for households with animals will generally be self-contained wherever possible, although availability cannot be guaranteed.
8.10 Assistance animals and reasonable adjustments
The Council recognises that assistance animals required by disabled persons are not ordinary pets and may be an important aid in enabling a person to live independently. When securing temporary accommodation, Dorset Council and its accommodation providers will have regard to their duties under the Equality Act 2010, including the duty to make reasonable adjustments where required.
The Council expects accommodation providers, managing agents, and other partners to give appropriate consideration to households requiring an assistance animal as a consequence of a disability. Decisions will be made on an individual basis, taking into account the needs of the disabled person, the characteristics of the accommodation, and any relevant health and safety considerations.
There is no statutory register or compulsory certification scheme for assistance animals in the United Kingdom. However, the Council may request reasonable evidence that an animal is required in connection with a person's disability where this is necessary to inform accommodation decisions.
Assistance animals may include, but are not limited to, animals trained to support individuals with visual impairments, hearing impairments, mobility impairments, autism, epilepsy, diabetes, mental health conditions, or other disabilities where the animal performs specific tasks or functions related to the person's disability.
