Housing Options
Following the restructure of the Housing Options service we have changed some of our working processes and we now operate a generic approach to initial assessments. This means that customers now only have to complete one assessment form to be able to access all housing options.
With effect from Monday 31 October 2011 we will be closed to the public on Wednesday mornings until 1.00pm. Telephone contact however will still be available on 477760 for urgent enquiries.
In addition, from the same date, we will be introducing an appointment system to provide a better quality service and reduce waiting times for our customers.
Housing Advice
If you believe you have nowhere to live, about to lose your home or your home is unsuitable we may be able to offer you advice on other options to help prevent your homelessness. The Housing Options Service provides homeless prevention advice and information for all customers including council /housing associations tenants, private tenants, owner occupiers and people who don’t have their own home. The Rent Bond Scheme is a way of accessing accommodation in the Private Rented Sector.
We work preventing homelessness. We also work to reduce the number of people living in temporary accommodation. We encourage independent living through 'pathways' i.e. from homelessness, through supported options... to independent living.
We use homelessness prevention workers to mediate in families or between landlords and tenants. If possible, we encourage people to stay where they are until they can make a planned move. This highly effective method of intervention and mediation helps prevent people from becoming homeless. We also offer advice, including advice about your housing rights, benefits, debt and money matters. We have an in house Welfare Rights service and money advice teams.
Mortgage Rescue
The Government has launched a number of initiatives to assist homeowners in mortgage difficulties or facing possession. Click here to view government website.
One of the initiatives is the mortgage rescue scheme which Blackpool Council housing advice service is the nominated agency to process applications.
Details can be found in the NHAS leaflet.
How we aim to prevent and delay homelessness
Early intervention is the key to a successful homelessness prevention service. We are moving from a reactive to a proactive service or
from "housing the homeless" to "homelessness prevention".
We focus on being proactive rather than reactive with an emphasis on preventing homelessness rather than housing the homeless.
- We aim to give clients housing options before the situation develops into a crisis.
- In most instances we can help to keep you in your existing home. If this is not possible, we will try to offer you decent, affordable housing solutions without the use of emergency accommodation.
- We provide specialist Contact & Assessment Officers to talk through all the options with you, so that you can make an informed choice.
- We can help you access welfare rights, money and debt advice.
- We will mediate with your landlord on your behalf in order to prevent or delay homelessness.
- If your home is being repossessed by a mortgage company, we can refer you to a specialist money advice team and negotiate on your behalf with the company or the courts.
- If you are unable to return to your accommodation on the night, we will help you find alternative emergency accommodation, such as a refuge or friends or family. If no accommodation is available, we will refer you to the Family Homelessness Team.
- Bed & Breakfast - please note that these days we only use B&B in situations where there is no more suitable accommodation that is appropriate and available.
Our office hours are:
9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday
9am to 4.30pm on Fridays.
We also have an out of hours service, for emergencies only. Call 01253 477600
If you have recently arrived in Blackpool and have nowhere to live and no money, we may be able to help you with travel costs if you have an address to return to.
If you have had a row with your parents and they have thrown you out of your home the Homelessness Mediation Officer may be able to help. Telephone 01253 477270.
If you are experiencing Domestic Violence, serious harassment or antisocial behaviour and need to leave your home immediately, go to the South King Street office during office hours (Monday – Thursday 9am – 5pm and Fridays 9am – 4.30pm) or phone the emergency accommodation out of hours number: 01213 477600, or you can go to the nearest police station if outside of outside of office hours.
Shelter homelessness advice and support .
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