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