Issue details

Approval of the Temporary Accommodation Policy

The Council works with households to prevent homelessness occurring wherever possible however, regrettably, it is not possible to prevent homelessness in cases and some households will therefore require the use of TA.

 

The proposed policy document sets out Thanet District Council’s approach to the placement of homeless households in TA inside and, where unavoidable, outside of the Thanet district.

 

The TA policy sets out the principles the Council will apply to recover some of the cost of providing TA through reasonable charging (i.e. for the use and occupation of the accommodation provided - in many cases those households will be entitled to either full or partial housing benefit payments), as provided within the legislation.

 

The policy takes into account the statutory requirements on local authorities to find suitable accommodation and relevant case law. It also importantly considers the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Significant effect on communities;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 31/05/2024

Decision due: 16 Jul 2024 by Overview & Scrutiny Panel

Decision due: 25 Jul 2024 by Cabinet

Lead member: Councillor Helen Whitehead, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr-Helen.Whitehead@thanet.gov.uk

Lead director: Bob Porter

Contact: Mark James, Strategic Housing Manager Email: mark.james@thanet.gov.uk.

What the decision will mean: The decision will mean that the Council has a formal policy to refer to when making decisions regarding placement in temporary accommodation within the district boundary and beyond as well as helping people to return to the district if placed outside of the district.

Decisions

Agenda items

Documents

  • OSP report  
  • Cabinet report