When someone is homeless or threatened with homelessness, the local authority may have a duty to secure accommodation. If they refuse, they have to issue a decision in writing and inform the applicant that there is a right of review. We have assisted a number of clients with such reviews with some success. This involves lengthy interviews with the client to ascertain the facts, obtaining and going through the Council's file, often discussions with Shelter as to the merits of the case and finally preparing a written submission. Harlow District Council now reviews the decisions by Chelmsford Borough Council. We are pleased by this development as this makes the procedure fairer.

Clients facing the possibility of 'rooflessness' are under great stress. We are particularly concerned about single people with a history of mental health problems often connected with drink and drugs. They frequently fail to qualify for local authority assistance either because they are 'intentionally' homeless or because they are not considered to be in priority need.

As I have mentioned in previous reports many housing enquiries are related to Housing Benefit problems. There are still long delays in processing applications. We had a meeting with representatives from the department and were promised that new claims will be processed within 14 days provided the Council has all the relevant information. Unfortunately this has not happened. Non payment of benefits means rent arrears and may ultimately result in homelessness.

Clients with rent arrears often have other debts and the CAB's holistic approach comes into play with maximizing benefits and prioritising debts. We frequently have to assist clients with court applications to vary court orders and/or suspend warrants for possession.

We have many enquiries from private tenants and landlords regarding security of tenure, disrepair and return of deposits and with summer approaching neighbour disputes are bound to increase.

We have frequent contact with the Council particularly the homelessness section and the Community Advice Service. We have attended meetings on the Council's homelessness strategy and are members of the Homelessness Prevention Partnership. We also sit on the Moat Care and Repair Steering Group.

We would like to be more proactive and develop housing advice by strengthening our contacts in the community and if possible getting involved in local initiatives. However, at present time and money impose restraints.

Back to Annual Review 2003-4