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Homelessness – who can be re-housed?
This service aims to give advice and support that will, in the first
instance, prevent homelessness. If, however, you are homeless: you will
normally be provided with temporary accommodation (usually 28 days). This
provides a reasonable period of time for us to determine responsibility
to you and establish if you qualify for permanent accommodation. In order
to be re-housed you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be homeless., or threatened with homelessness in the next
two months or because it has become unreasonable to remain living in
your own home (domestic abuse). This can be defined as having no accommodation
anywhere in the UK or in certain circumstances the European Community.
- You must not have made yourself intentionally homeless. Examples of
intentionality are rent arrears, antisocial behaviour or leaving accommodation
without first looking for an alternative residence.
- You need to have a local connection with the Scottish Borders. This
criteria can be met if you have lived in the area for at least 6 months
in the last year or not less than 3 years during the last 5 years, you
or a member of your household are permanently employed in the area or
have close relatives in the area or are caring for a relative in the
area. (This does not apply if you are fleeing violence).
- As of September 2002, the majority of people who are homeless or threatened
with homelessness have the right to temporary accommodation regardless
of priority need. However, priority need is still assessed in determining
your right to permanent accommodation and is measured against the following
criteria: -
- Homelessness or threatened with homelessness within two months.
- Applicant or person who resides with applicant is pregnant.
- Has dependant children.
- Is vulnerable due to
- being over 60 or, if younger, in poor physical or mental health.
- being physically or mentally disabled.
- being a 16 or 17 year old or a young person up to and including
the age of 21 who was looked after (in care) at school leaving age.
- Any other 'special' reason, e.g. being 'at risk' of sexual or financial
exploitation, alcohol or drug abuse, domestic violence or racial harassment
or having recently suffered a miscarriage.
Special circumstances that do/or do not meet this criteria are considered
case by case.
Homelessness – How the Council
can Help | Local Housing Services
| Mediation Service & Anti-social
Behaviour
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61% of Borders' households are owner-occupiers, this compares to 53% in 1991. Source: 1991- 2001 Census GROS
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