You will be classed as homeless if any of the following apply:

• You have no accommodation available in the UK or elsewhere
• You cannot go home because of the risk of violence
• Your family has no home where you can live together
• You have a home but cannot get in
• You have a home but it is considered unreasonable for you to live there

Here you will find a list of Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Does the council have to give a home to all homeless people?
2. What is meant by Priority Needs Groups?
3. What is meant by "Intentionally Homeless"?
4. What kind of housing will be provided for me?
5. What will happen when I apply?

Does the Council have to give a home to all homeless people?

No - the Council only has an obligation to certain ‘priority need’ groups and only then if they have become homeless through no fault of their own, i.e. they are considered ‘not intentionally homeless’ and have a connection with the Mid Suffolk area.

What is meant by Priority Needs Groups?

• Households with dependent children under 16 or under 19 if in full time education.
• Pregnant women
• Anyone who is less able than the average person to find accommodation for themselves because of their age, mental health problems, learning disability, physical disability, illness or other special reason
• 16 and 17 year olds (expect those for whom Social Services have a responsibility)
• Care leavers aged 18 to 21
• Anyone who is less able than the average person to fend for themselves as a result of having fled violence, having spent time in the armed forces, having served a prison sentence or having a care background
• Anyone who has been made homeless as a result of an emergency such as fire, flood or other disaster
• If you are not in priority need the Council will give you information and advice about how to look for somewhere to live and how to claim benefits

What is meant by "Intentionally Homeless"?

You will be considered 'intentionally homeless' if you deliberately and knowingly do something - or fail to do something - which leads to the loss of your home.

In these circumstances the Council will only have a limited duty towards you even if you are in priority need. For example, temporary accommodation will be provided for a short time whilst you look for an alternative place to live.

What kind of housing will be provided for me?

If you are eligible, homeless, in priority need, not intentionally homeless and you have a local connection with Mid Suffolk, the Council will have a duty to ensure that suitable alternative accommodation is available for you.
This could be a Council, housing association or private tenancy or lodgings in the case of single people. It may be necessary to offer you temporary accommodation initially, which could be in a shared house or as a last resort, bed and breakfast. You may express a preference about the type and location of accommodation, which you wish to be considered for. If we are unable to offer your preferred option we will still make sure that you are offered accommodation suitable for your needs.

What will happen when I apply?

• You will be interviewed in private (by an officer of the same sex if requested)
• You will be asked questions about your housing situation
• You will be asked to give permission for the Council to carry out any necessary enquiries
• You may be asked to provide certain documents
• You will be provided with temporary accommodation if you have nowhere to live, whilst enquiries are made
• If we think you are intentionally homeless we will tell you why and give you the opportunity to respond
• We will deal with all applications as quickly as possible but getting information sometimes takes a while
• If it is possible we will give you advice and assistance to prevent you becoming homeless. In the case of mortgage arrears for example this may involve us in talking to your building society and negotiating an arrangement for you to pay
• You may also be advised to consult a solicitor
• We will write to you letting you know the decision of the Council i.e. whether or not you are eligible, homeless, in priority need and unintentionally homeless and explaining the Council’s obligations to you
• If you feel that the decision is wrong you have a right to appeal

Contact Details

Liz Keeble (Homelessness Prevention Officer)
Email: liz.keeble@midsuffolk.gov.uk
Address: Mid Suffolk District Council, Council Offices, 131 High Street, Needham Market, Ipswich, IP6 8DL
Telephone: 01449 724754
Fax: 01449 721946

or

Gwen Cracknell (Homelessness Prevention Officer)
Email: gwen.cracknell@midsuffolk.gov.uk
Address: Mid Suffolk District Council, Council Offices, 131 High Street, Needham Market, Ipswich, IP6 8DL
Telephone: 01449 724754
Fax: 01449 721946