Lichfield District Council's offices. Pic: Lichfield District Council

People made homeless in Lichfield will not have the right to refuse private rented accommodation if new proposals get the go-ahead.

Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet is set to discuss the move to change the way the local authority handles rehoming people.

At present, people who are classed as “unintentionally homeless” have the right to wait for social housing.

However, the Localism Act 2011 now gives greater freedom for councils to utilise a wider pool of accommodation.

Lichfield District Council's offices. Pic: Lichfield District Council
Lichfield District Council’s offices. Pic: Lichfield District Council

A draft report drawn up by Cllr Colin Greatorex, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, has backed the changes – but warned that the a scrutiny committee was keen to see certain safeguards introduced.

“Members overall welcomed the new policy,” the report said. “However, there were some concerns with the barriers of up front costs associated with private renting – a month’s rent in advance and a deposit are often required – and with ensuring that properties were affordable.

“Council homeless prevention initiatives such as the Rent Guarantee Scheme and the Homelessness Prevention Fund will assist with removing these barriers.

“Members also expressed concerns regarding problems encountered by private sector tenants to ensure landlords maintain the standard of their properties, including ensuring they were energy efficient, and continue to be fit and proper people.”

The council’s draft policy on discharging their homelessness duty outlines a plan to “encourage” people to join the housing register directly, rather than formally applying for homeless status.

However, the document also recognises that tenancy agreements in the private sector must be for a minimum of 12 months – with landlords encouraged to grant two year agreements.

But the report warns that those who still opt to reject private rented accommodation offered will “have to make their own [housing] arrangements”.

The draft policy also outlines how families could have to move out of the area if suitable accommodation is not available within the district.

The report and proposals will be discussed by Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet on November 5.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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Jozef Nakielski
10 years ago

forcing mostly unemployed people in to expensive private rented accommodation. hat really makes sense doesn’t it. Why not make a container home village for people whilst they wait for social housing. They look quite comfy and are cheap to build.

Rob
10 years ago

If you manage to make yourself homeless you should take what’s offered, maybe even express a bit of gratitude.

BrownhillsBob
10 years ago

Laughing at the great libertarian telling people how they should behave and think…

Rob, you’ve never done self-awareness, have you?

Cheers for the smile
Bob

Rob
10 years ago

They’ve still got the choice to not be housed at taxpayers expense and sort themselves out.

Pips
10 years ago

Hope you’re never in the unfortunate position of being homeless Rob. Bad things do happen to even the best hardworking people.

Jozef Nakielski
10 years ago

If you manage to make yourself homeless you should take what’s offered, maybe even express a bit of gratitude.

They’re being forced into a long term contract in private rented when they’re probably unemployed. That means working people will pay private land lords high rents. Plus if they get a job they’ll more than likely not afford the rent.

It is a lose lose situation. We need to help people at the bottom up so that they don’t depend on us . Yes there’ll always be a bottom and people will always need a hand up but I don’t think people have been this poor at the bottom for a long long time. Why are you so tight and mean to others that are in need. You assume they’re not helping themselves, which isn’t true, most do, they’re just stuck in a trap that is extremely hard to get out of, and most aren’t there through their own doing or stupidity.

BrownhillsBob
10 years ago

Rob’s to clever to ever fail. If he does, he’ll just pull himself up and get on with it.

That’s what they all think, until it happens.

Bob