Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Housing Register?
The Housing Register is a list of all the people who have asked the Council to help them find accommodation.
What is the Housing Allocation Policy?
The Allocation Policy is a set of rules the Council follows when deciding what accommodation is suitable for a household and the priority they should get when being considered for a tenancy.
Can I get help to fill in my Housing Register Application?
You can drop in to the Customer Services Centre at the Town Hall, no appointment is necessary.
Opening times are -
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8.00am - 6.00pm
Wednesday 10.00am - 6.00pm
Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm
Can anyone apply to go on the Housing Register?
Anyone not excluded by the law may join the housing register, the exclusions being certain people from abroad.
How are assessments of housing need made?
Assessments are based on the information you provide on your housing application form. Further enquiries may be made to add or confirm details. Information may be shared with other agencies. By signing the application form you give consent for us to make all enquires necessary to complete our assessment.
What date is used for priority within groups?
The date used for priority within groups is -
Statutory Homeless Applicants (Group 1) - Acceptance date of homelessness
Ordinary Applicants (Group 2 & 3) - Date of application
Existing Council or Housing Association Tenants living in Ipswich (Group 1T, 2T & 3T)
What kind of checks will be carried out?
We will take up references from your current or previous landlords to check whether you have any previous or current rent arrears, property damage, or anti-social behaviour will also be looked into. By signing the housing application form you have agreed consent for these checks to be made. We will not normally house people who have been antisocial, damaged accommodation or with rent arrears. They will be told what is needed to put things right and have time to do so.
Do I have a preference on where I choose to live?
We try to provide choice about where you want to live. If you have a need to avoid certain areas (e.g. because of past violence) allocations to these areas will be avoided. There are some rules about the amount of choice you are allowed:
If you have "reasonable preference" because you are homeless (in priority need, not intentionally homeless) - your reasons for excluding an estate or estates will be considered. When we agree that an estate can be excluded, we will not offer you accommodation there. However accommodation may be made available anywhere else in Ipswich. Only one reasonable offer will be made to you.
In all other cases you may choose estates where you wish to live. The choices you make may affect the time it takes to re-house you. The more restrictive you are above the areas you choose, the longer you will probably have to wait.
How long will I have to wait for an offer of permanent accommodation?
It is not possible to give you an exact prediction of when an offer will be made. However, information will be provided which will help you to estimate when an offer is likely.
What if I do not like the property offered to me?
If you view the property and decide the home is not suitable for you, don’t worry.
If you are not homeless we will make further offers until you are satisfied. If you are accepted as homeless, in priority need and not intentionally homeless one "reasonable" offer of accommodation will be made to you.
What if I am homeless?
The Council has legal responsibilities towards people who have nowhere to live or whose current property poses an immediate threat. For further advice or assistance please contact Housing Advisory Services on Tel: 01473 433239.
Documents:
The Housing Allocation Policy
Related Links:
Adobe Acrobat Reader