Temporary Accommodation

If you are assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness, West Dunbartonshire Council may have a duty to provide temporary accommodation while your homelessness application is being assessed and until suitable settled accommodation becomes available.

Temporary accommodation is short-term housing provided while we investigate your homelessness application and, where applicable, until a suitable permanent housing solution becomes available.

Availability of Temporary Accommodation

There is currently significant pressure on temporary accommodation services across West Dunbartonshire. In recognition of increasing demand for housing and homelessness services, West Dunbartonshire Council has declared a Housing Emergency.

As a result, temporary furnished accommodation may not always be available immediately when you present as homeless. Where no temporary furnished accommodation is available, we will arrange alternative emergency accommodation, such as bed and breakfast accommodation, to ensure that you have somewhere safe to stay. You will then be moved to temporary furnished accommodation as soon as suitable accommodation becomes available.

Temporary accommodation may include:

• Furnished flats or houses
• Supported accommodation
• Bed and breakfast accommodation (where no other suitable temporary accommodation is available)

Accommodation is allocated based on availability and your individual circumstances. When making an offer of temporary accommodation, we will consider:

• Any confirmed risks or safety concerns
• Verified medical needs
• The need to maintain access to education where children are part of the household

While these factors will be taken into account, the limited supply of temporary accommodation means it may not always be possible to fully meet all household preferences, requirements or medical needs. The accommodation offered will represent the most suitable option available to the Council at the time.

Location of Temporary Accommodation

Due to high demand and limited availability, we cannot guarantee that temporary accommodation will be provided in your preferred area.

Temporary accommodation may be offered anywhere within West Dunbartonshire, including:

• Clydebank
• Dumbarton
• Alexandria

Accommodation Size

The size of accommodation offered will be assessed in line with relevant homelessness and occupancy standards.

When assessing suitability, all habitable rooms within a property are taken into account. This may include living rooms, where appropriate, as these can be used as sleeping accommodation to meet the needs of a household.

Offers of Temporary Accommodation

The Council has a duty to secure suitable temporary accommodation for applicants who are homeless while its statutory homelessness responsibilities are being carried out.

You will normally receive one offer of temporary accommodation. The Council is not required to provide a choice of temporary accommodation or make multiple offers where suitable accommodation has been identified.

If you refuse an offer of temporary accommodation, the Council will consider the reasons for refusal and determine whether the accommodation offered was suitable in the circumstances. Where the Council considers that a suitable offer has been made, it may regard its duty to provide temporary accommodation as having been met.

Charges for Temporary Accommodation

Temporary accommodation is not free of charge.

You will normally be required to pay rent, council tax and any applicable service charges for the accommodation provided. If you are receiving benefits or have a low income, you may be entitled to help with these costs through Housing Benefit.

Your Responsibilities

While staying in temporary accommodation, you are expected to:

• Comply with the terms of your occupancy agreement
• Pay rent and any applicable charges
• Look after the accommodation and its contents
• Respect neighbours, staff and other residents
• Report any repairs or maintenance issues promptly

Failure to meet these responsibilities may affect your occupancy and could result in further action being taken.

Support During Your Stay

If you are placed in temporary accommodation, you will be allocated a named Accommodation Worker and provided with their contact details.

Your Accommodation Worker will:

• Carry out regular visits to the property
• Monitor your occupancy and ensure the terms of your occupancy agreement are being followed
• Provide advice and assistance during your stay in temporary accommodation
• Help ensure that rent charges and utility payments are maintained and address any issues relating to arrears or payment responsibilities
• Identify any support needs that may affect your ability to manage and sustain accommodation
• Make referrals to Housing Support Services where additional support needs are identified

Additional support may be available through Housing Support Services and partner organisations, depending on your individual circumstances and assessed needs.