Homelessness

Homelessnes Stratergy

Alnwick District Council’s Homeless Strategy is an interim measure updating and reviewing the 2003/08 Strategy with the intention of providing guidance until the new unitary Council of Northumberland takes on the responsibility for carrying out a Homeless Review and Homeless Strategy.

Our aim is to promptly investigate and assess all applications from homeless persons and offer appropriate advice to people threatened with homelessness. In July 2003 The Council adopted a Homeless Strategy.

The Council has a policy for dealing with homeless applicants which is used in conjunction with the Code of Guidance issued by the Department of the Environment and assessed according to the Housing Act 1996, Part VII, Homelessness Act 2002 and the Homelessness (Priority Need for Accomodation) (England) Order 2002.

Everyone who applies to Alnwick District Council as a homeless person should be interviewed by a Housing Officer and an initial assessment made on the day s/he applies or on the following working day.

During the interview, the applicant will be advised of his/her rights under the Housing Act 1996, Part VII and the extent of the Councils' responsibility towards him/her.

Customer Promise

We promise you that we will:-

Interview you the same day or the following day during office hours: 8.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. Friday.
Make a decision on your application within 30 working days unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Give you written notice of our decision within 3 working days of completing our investigation.

For further information please contact Barry Gibson, Lettings Officer on 01665 511672.

Out of office hours, please contact our emergency service by ringing 07715010983.