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Homelessness

If you are likely to become homeless

Depending on your particular circumstances the Council may have a duty to permanently house you as a result of homelessness, or in some cases, to provide temporary accommodation, or advice and assistance only.

If the Council considers that you are eligible for help, accommodation will be secured pending completion of investigations in to the cause of homelessness.

Due to limited housing availability in West Oxfordshire, temporary accommodation in Bed and Breakfast, may be secured where there are no other suitable temporary houses vacant.

Persons who are worried about becoming homeless should contact us for advice at the earliest opportunity. If sufficient warning is given, it may be possible to secure housing through the Common Waiting List.

The law dealing with homelessness is contained within Part VII of the Housing Act 1996. (As amended by the homelessness Act 2002)

If you are threatened with homelessness it is necessary for the Council to determine whether an applicant is:

Eligible for assistance
Homeless
In priority need
Not intentionally homeless
Considered to have a local connection with West Oxfordshire

Further enquiries will be made into your application to verify the information you have given us.

You will be kept informed on the progress of these enquiries and advised when a formal decision has been made.

If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness contact Housing Services who will then arrange an appointment for you to see a Housing Officer.

See contact details for how to obtain assistance out of office hours.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information is given in the following downloads Homeless Information, Homelessness - Domestic Violence, Homelessness for Ex-MOD, Homelessness for Families, Housing for Young People, Homelessness Appeals Leaflet

For Independant housing Advice visit Shelter at http://england.shelter.org.uk/advice/index.cfm

Young People

Housing Services offers 16 and 17 year olds advice about housing options and support whilst homeless. For further information telephone 01993 861158 or contact Housing Services.

We can also give basic advice to young people aged 16 - 25. You can make an appointment at the Town Centre Shop in Witney, where an appointment will be made or by telephone us on 01993 861010.

Young people can also obtain additional information on homelessness by going to

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/advice_for_young_people