In respect of homeless accommodation supports, determining whether a person is homeless is a matter for the relevant local authority under the Housing Act 1988. The Act allows local authorities to provide an immediate response to ensure households are provided with the accommodation and supports required - the ultimate aim being to work with households to exit homelessness in the shortest timeframe possible.
Section 10(8) of the Act provides that where, in the opinion of the local authority, a person’s circumstances change to the extent that the person is now able to provide accommodation from their own resources, the authority may cease to provide homeless accommodation.
While this is a function and responsibility of the local authority, my understanding is that in practice, when a local authority becomes aware of households residing in emergency accommodation exceeding income limits for social housing support, it actively engages and offers supports to households to exit homeless services within a reasonable timeframe. Given the complexities involved, I understand that each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and all available supports are provided to reasonably support households. It would also be open to households to reapply for social housing support should their circumstances change.
