Homelessness

If a person is homeless or threatened with homelessness, Fareham Borough Council can offer advice and assistance through this difficult time. We can offer amongst other things:

• an interview to discuss and consider all the various housing options
• advice on legal rights which may help someone remain in their own home
• assistance in finding and securing another home if need be
• an out of hours service to cover emergencies

If you think you need help, the following information may assist you:

• What to do if you need help
• Criteria which should be met
• What if the outcome of an application is negative?
• You may also find the following links useful
• Fareham's Homelessness Strategy

What to do if you need help

People needing help should come to Fareham Borough Council Civic Offices. There they will be asked to complete a housing enquiry form which will be passed to a Homelessness Prevention Officer for a decision to be made as to whether the person needs to been seen immediately or whether an appointment can be made for them at a later date.

Criteria which should be met

The Council does not have a duty to house every homeless person, but it does have to provide housing advice and information to everyone who wants it. Only those meeting the following criteria will be found alternative accommodation by Fareham Borough Council. The Council will ask:

• Are they eligible for assistance?
• Are they homeless?
• Are they in priority need?
• Are they homeless intentionally?
• Do they have a local connection with Fareham?

If you meet the criteria it is possible that the Council will have a duty to help you secure accommodation for you and your household.  Any decision on your application shall be made in writing and in accordance with the relevant legislation.

What if the outcome of an application is negative?

Once the Homelessness Officer has completed their enquiries, they inform the applicant in writing of their decision. If accepted as homeless, the applicant will usually be provided with a temporary home, whilst waiting for an offer of more permanent housing through the housing waiting list.

If the outcome of an application is negative, and the Council concludes that they do not have a duty to provide you with accommodation, the assistance available may be limited and you may have to look to secure your own accommodation. 

In such circumstances, and as defined in the Housing Act 1996, you do have the right to request a review of the decision that has been made.  Further details on how to do this shall be included in the decision letter you receive. 

For more information and assistance please contact the Homelessness Prevention Officers in the Strategic Housing Division on Tel: 01329 236100, or e-mail: customerservices@fareham.gov.uk.

You may also like to visit the following sites:

• shelter.org.uk (this is an external hyperlink) for on-line housing advice.

• firststopcareadvice.org.uk (this is an external hyperlink) for housing options and advice for older people and contact details of local providers of accommodation.