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Sunday, 4 August 2013

Allocation of Permanent Accommodation

The spectre of homelessness is not something that any individual would want to face up to, but for many in the UK it has or it will become a reality in their lives at some point.

If someone were to become homeless, perhaps as a result of an eviction from a rented property, they might think that their local council would step in to provide them with accommodation, even if only on a temporary basis. Unfortunately, not all people made homeless are entitled to be accommodated, and since devolution was introduced in 1999 the various regions of the UK have differed in how they allocate accommodation to the homeless. A housing solicitors firm such as Duncanlewis.co.uk will be fully versed in all aspects of the law as it pertains to permanent accommodation. Housing lawyers can assist those who have been made homeless and require legal advice. 

Only those who have been declared statutory homeless are entitled to be housed by a local council in England, Scotland and Wales. To be statutory homeless, an individual has to be entitled to public funds and has to be able to show some kind of connection to the area in which they are seeking to be housed. An individual also has to be able to show that they are unintentionally homeless – that they are homeless through no fault of their own. Clients seeking advice on securing permanent accommodation can consult with a housing solicitor. For those whose homes are under threat from repossession by a financial institution, a housing possession solicitor can offer useful advice.

In England, a person seeking permanent accommodation has to prove that they can be classified as being in priority need. A single homeless person with no dependents is unlikely to be deemed as being in priority need; however, vulnerable individuals may be deemed as being so. Although a local authority should still advise a homeless person on their rights and entitlements, many homeless people will remain misinformed about what they are entitled to. A housing solicitor such as Duncanlewis.co.uk will be able to advise those in need of permanent accommodation about the law as it governs this area. 

Since Scotland was granted devolution in 1999, the Scottish Parliament has had the authority to approve primary legislation in many areas, including housing and homelessness. Under the 2003 Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act, all non-intentionally homeless people are entitled to be given social housing on a permanent basis. 

In Wales, the 2002 Homeless Persons (Priority Need) (Wales) Order broadened out the priority need categories of the 1996 Housing Act to incorporate 16- and 17-year-olds and care leavers between the ages of 18 and 21, and those of the same age who may be financially or sexually exploited. Former prisoners who are homeless after being released were also included in the act, as were those made homeless as a result of domestic violence or its threat.

Those declared homeless and in need of permanent housing may be given temporary accommodation while the council waits for permanent housing. Those declared in priority need but who are intentionally homeless may also be given accommodation temporarily.

Anyone unsure of the law in the UK as it applies to the allocation of permanent accommodation should seek the advice of a housing solicitors firm.

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