Neighbourhood Services

HOUSING

HOMELESSNESS

Local Authorities have a legal duty to help homeless people. If you are worried about losing your home then contact our Housing Options office where someone can provide help and assistance. At the very least you will receive an initial interview along with information and advice. Even if you think you might have problems in the future, get in touch with us now - we may even be able to help prevent you becoming homeless.

If our offices are closed and you are homeless right now then contact the 24 hour helpline on 0845 724 00 00.

If you cannot get to a phone then go to your nearest Police Station.

What will happen to me if I contact the Council?

To begin with you will be offered an interview to assess your housing situation. Then depending on your circumstances you might be given temporary housing while the Council looks into your application. If we cannot provide temporary or permanent accommodation then we will help you to find an alternative.

Prevention of homelessness

From 1 April 2009, all landlords and creditors must send a ‘ Section 11 notice' (under Section 11 of the Homelessness etc. ( Scotland ) Act 2003) to the local authority when they are starting proceedings for possession or ejection. This enables the local authority to offer advice and assistance and invite you to contact the council to discuss your situation.

What will happen to me if I contact the Council?

To begin with you will be offered an interview to assess your housing situation.

If there is a chance to try to prevent you becoming homeless then we will look at your options and give you advice and assistance which may include referring you to another agency.

If homelessness has already happened, then depending on your circumstances you might be given temporary housing while the Council looks into your application. If we cannot provide temporary or permanent accommodation then we will help you to find an alternative.

If you are a young person you can find more information in our 'A Home of your own leaflet' (PDF 2.97MB) which has pratical advice and information if you are considering leaving home. Further information can also be found at www.leavinghome.info

If I’m put up in temporary housing, where will it be?

The Council can provide temporary hostel accommodation or temporary flats while it carries out checks on your situation. It has two hostels, one in Kilmarnock and one in Cumnock and various temporay accommodation flats throughout East Ayrshire.

Once a decision has been made on your homeless application you will be told either;

• That the council has a duty to offer you a permanent house, in which case you will normally be able to stay in the temporary accommodation being provided until a suitable offer is made; or
• That the council does not a have a duty to provide you with a permanent home, in which case you will be given a reasonable time (usually about 28 days) to find another place to stay. Our support staff can help you in trying to find one.

How long will it take for the Council to make a decision on whether to give me a permanent house?

This can take several weeks but you will be kept informed of any decisions that are made. You will then receive an official letter explaining the decision that has been reached and your right to review a decision if you feel that it’s not correct. You can obtain a 'right to review form' by calling the Housing Options Office or down load a copy below.

Homeless Decisions - Right to Review Form

What will happen if the Council cannot put me up in temporary accommodation?

You will be offered advice and assistance to find another home and may be allocated a Tenancy Support Worker to help you find a home and access any other services that may be useful. We will also help you to fill in an application form for Council housing and provide information on other housing options in the area such as private rented accommodation.

What can I do if I have a problem after office hours?

The Council operates a 24 hour helpline where trained staff will deal with your situation over the phone. An interview with a Housing Officer will then be carried out the next day or on the first working day after the call.

What can I do if I'm suffering domestic abuse?

You can contact the Council who will provide confidential advice and assistance during and out of hours. Women may also contact Women’s Aid who have specially trained staff who offer support and advice. Women’s Aid can also help you find secure accommodation.

To Contact your local Women's Aid Centre Click here.

For further assistance on your rights you can call the Shelter Advice line on 0808 800 4444 this is a free number, please note some mobile phone networks may charge for calls to this number.

Select here for contact information