Is your local housing office still working?

[Methtones]

Just curious, the lists round here move very quickly but currently the HAs near me have downed tools and are only doing repairs. I've seen other posters talking about points being allocated so just wondering what other areas are doing.

Please dont jump on me about pandemics etc, I'm well aware. But unfortunately if you're in the process of being chucked out (boyfriend, not me. Hes a lodger) you still need somewhere to live.

I dont understand why this isnt classed as an essential service when it so clearly is.

Yes, mine is.
Empty properties are still being handed back, having all appropriate work done and being tenanted as a matter of urgency.
There are some issues with sourcing materials which is holding things up on some occasions though.

My friend who works in the local housing office is still working, albeit from home but says it’s business as usual as far as possible.

Thanks both, it's very frustrating that the local one isn't moving things. I just dont see how this is sustainable.

What have they told him?

They have said that they're not dealing with new properties at the moment. He got his application in just before they started working from home which was a week before lockdown.

(This is the same HA who asked "how disabled is disabled" when he handed in his form sadly it's the fastest moving list and he doesn't have a lot of options)

Working from home. Emergency repairs only. General letting on hold, though applications still being processed. Statutory homeless only.

Work is involving supporting current tenants.

Has he any other options? Alternative lodge, staying with friends or family?

None, and if he moves out of where he is somewhere else wont he be considered suitably housed? His family is all hundreds of miles away and he cant move in with me for a variety of reasons.

Good to know it's not just his HA. Theyve now agreed to reconsider his disability which is a step forward. He got no disabled points despite being housebound where he is just now because of steps into the property.

Not sure what he can do other than sit tight i guess.

Has he contacted his local county /borough council homeless department? This is a statutory service and is often not dealt with by the HA.

Does the HA have an OT or does he have access to one that could provide additional supporting information, especially as you said he can't access the property?

He has been told it will be a hostel or hotel at the moment so sitting tight or the HA getting him somewhere is the only option. The owner is being reasonable in so far as not making him homeless right now, but who knows how long that will last for.

It doesnt sound like it but hopefully that is what will come out of this meeting after lockdown. He is looking into advocacy but thats no use if the HA isnt doing anything bar emergency repairs.

Yes if he sources his own accommodation then he will be classed as suitably housed but isn't that the whole point?
A hostel or hotel might be the only option if he is actually made homeless. Things are moving much more slowly with relets as its difficult to source the materials for repairs and there are staff shortages too .

My friends DD was rehomed from homeless accommodation to a permanent house last week, it had been delayed for a few weeks because of the current crisis. It would have freed up a homeless property for someone else.

I imagine they are looking at housing emergencies and homelessness.

He needs somewhere permanent to live, moving onto a friend's sofa isn't suitably housed by any stretch. It would be become an unending circle of being asked to leave...

The lists in this area move quickly in normal times. My main question really is just why are some open and some not. I guess it's just because it's the end of the fucking world unfortunately.

A hostel or hotel might be the only option if he is actually made homeless.

Well aware of this, but trying to avoid that eventuality.

Applications to countywide housing register still being processed and banded.

However housing register is not having weekly adverts and bidding.

Those who are homeless or at risk or homelessness being assessed by the homeless prevention team. Put into temp accommodation or matched for direct let’s with HAs. Those who are under existing notice will be to stay put if possible.

Thanks cornish, sounds like he is doing the right thing for now. I feel for him, but equally feel for the owner who wants his house back!

What was owners plans for house though?

He wants to move his partner in so wants it to himself. All very understandable and reasonable. Then a pandemic happened....

Added bonus of the whole bubble thing obviously too if it happens.

Well at least he’s getting rental income until they can mix households. Her moving in during lockdown wouldn’t be in line with the stay at home directive.

My main question really is just why are some open and some not.

It is all down to local decision making, and also could depend if contractors are happy to work. I think on the whole most have scaled back to some or a lot of degree.

That's true, although I suspect a lot of people would go ahead and move anyway.

Thanks for your helpful advice, he is going to look into getting assessed. It seems unfair for him not to get points for being disabled but who knows how these things work!

You can get specific advice from Shelter. Worth calling/ emailing them.