Homelessness Reduction Act

What it means for you

The Homelessness Reduction Act came into effect in April 2018 and aims to prevent or relieve homelessness. The changes mean:

• if you are eligible, we must work with you and your family to avoid or help with homelessness
• you can apply to us if you are going to become homeless within 56 days or if you are in private rented home and have a valid Section 21 notice
• if homeless or under threat of homelessness the council must provide you with a personalised housing plan outlining how we can help you to resolve or prevent your homelessness

We aim to have a face to face interview with you, this will help us to understand your problems and agree your housing plan. This appointment can take up to 2 hours and we need to see the following documentation:

• tenancy agreement
• letter and/or notice from your landlord
• 3 months’ worth of bank statements
• income details
• address history for the past 5 years
• proof of any mental health or physical disabilities
• details of any medication
• identification
• contact details of other services helping you
• details of any criminal convictions

We can offer support and advice for:

• your rights in general, and when harassed or evicted by your landlord
• rent and mortgage debt, including debt help
• help if you’re a victim of domestic abuse
• family help
• repairs and adaptation grants to your home
• how to find private rented housing, social housing or low cost home ownership schemes

Phone us on 0300 304 8000 to make an appointment or drop in to us at:

Deane House

• Address Belvedere Road, Taunton TA1 1HE
• Opening times Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm

West Somerset House

• Address Killick Way, Williton TA4 4QA
• Opening times Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm
• If roofless Monday to Thursday 1.30pm to 4:30pm and Friday 1.30pm to 4pm

Related pages

• Emergency housing
• Housing options
• Check your housing choices
• Council offices