Housing Options for Single People
The following information aims to outline the housing options available for single people (aged 16-60) in the town.
Homelessness
If you are homeless or threatened within 28 days it is important that you see a Housing Advisory Officer as soon as possible. Even if the Council does not have a duty to provide you with accommodation, we can offer advice to help you find accommodation.
If you are 16 or 17 and homeless, either the Council or Social Services will have a duty to provide you with some accommodation under the 'Suffolk Joint Protocol Agreement'. For more information please speak to a Housing Advisory Officer or a Social Worker at your local area office. If you are unsure which is your local office please call 08456 023 023.
Hostel Accommodation
Hostels provide accommodation with shared facilities and employ workers to advise and support the hostel residents. If you want to find out if a hostel has a vacancy ring or call in. Generally, they will arrange to interview you and decide if they are able to accommodate you. If there are no vacancies, they may put you on a waiting list.
Some Hostels in Ipswich:
- YMCA, 2 Wellington Street, Ipswich. 01473 - 252456
- St Matthews Society, Cavendish Lodge, Turret Lane, Ipswich. 01473 - 219155
- YWCA, 43 Fonnereau Road, Ipswich. 01473 - 252915
- Salvation Army, 107 Fore Street, Ipswich. 01473 - 251070
If you would like more information you can either contact the hostels direct or speak to a Housing Advisory Officer.
IHAG
Ipswich Housing Action Group (IHAG) rent rooms in shared houses, (usually no more than 4 rooms per house) to single homeless people. During their stay IHAG will support people in seeking more permanent self contained accommodation.
If you are interested in IHAG accommodation you will need to join their waiting list.
Visit IHAG at
22-24 Carr Street
Ipswich
Suffolk
(Noon - 3pm Tuesday - Friday)
Or
Telephone: (01473) 213102 (Monday - Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm)
Website: www.ihag.co.uk
Anglia Care Trust
Anglia Care Trust manage shared housing for single people in Ipswich.
Referrals can be made via Suffolk Probation Service or directly to Anglia Care Trust at:
65 St Matthews Street
Ipswich
Suffolk
Telephone: (01473) 213140.
Foyer for Ipswich
The Foyer is a training and accommodation project for young people (aged 16-25) who can be working, training, at college or looking for work or training.
You would be expected to commit to a programme of self-development.
Accommodation consists of a furnished bedroom, with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.
Contact the Foyer Manager direct at:
Richmond House
Star Lane
Ipswich
Suffolk
Telephone: (01473) 225655.
If you would like general information or leaflets about any of the above providers please speak to a Housing Advisory Officer.
Renting Privately
Private rented accommodation can be sought either directly from a landlord or through a property agency or manager.Accommodation is also advertised in the local newspaper and sometimes in shops. You will probably have to pay a month's rent in advance and a deposit. It is likely that the property will be let for six months on an assured shorthold tenancy and both you and the landlord will have to give notice if you wish to end the tenancy. If both the landlord and tenant wish, the tenancy continues in force indefinitely. Think carefully before entering into any agreement.
If you are in doubt get advice.
A list of agents is available from the Civic Centre.
Help with rent deposit
Are you homeless or threatened with homelessness and live, work or have close relatives in Ipswich? If so and you have a limited income you may qualify for assistance under the Ipswich Rent Deposit Scheme, run in association with the Ipswich and Suffolk Credit Union.
Please ask to speak to a Housing Advisory Officer for further details.
Council Housing
The Council's housing register is open to anyone aged 16 or over however, exclusions and or other conditions may apply.
Once you have applied please let the Council know immediately in writing of any change of address or circumstances. Failure to do so may result in the loss of your original application date.
It is difficult to estimate how long you will have to wait for housing - this will depend on your individual circumstances.
No-one is allocated a council tenancy until they are 18. A copy of the Allocations Policy is available on request.
Housing Associations (Registered Social Landlords, RSLs)
These are non-profit making organisations providing affordable housing for those in housing need. You will be asked to complete an application form for every Association that you wish to apply to.
Housing Associations may close their lists from time to time, so do try again if you are not accepted first time.
The Council works together with Housing Associations and have nomination rights to their accommodation. If you have indicated on the Council's Housing Register form that you are interested in a nomination, then you may be considered.
For more information, or a list of local Housing Associations, please speak to a Housing Advisory Officer.
Paying for accommodation
Once you have found somewhere to live it is important to know about your rights and entitlement to any housing and welfare benefits before you make a commitment.
The rules are often complicated. Please ask to see a Housing Advisory Officer for a detailed explanation.
Advice and Information
If you would like any further information on any item mentioned please contact:
The Housing Advisory Services Team
Ipswich Borough Council,
Grafton House,
15 – 17 Russell Road,
Ipswich
IP1 2DE.
Telephone: (01473) 433239
4YP Information and Support
This service provides a free service to help people aged 14-25 with housing advice and other youth issues. Please contact:
4YP
14 Lower Brook Street
Ipswich
Suffolk
Telephone: (01473) 225344.