What do I do if I have nowhere to live?
The services we provide
If you are at risk of becoming homeless the most important thing is to get advice as soon as possible. There maybe things that can be done to prevent you losing your home and becoming homeless.
We will provide advice on preventing homelessness and on how we can carry out our legal duties to homeless people.
It is an emergency service (24 hours a day, seven days a week).
We will also put you in touch with other specialist advice providers if we cannot deal with your enquiry, for example, Bury Independent Advice Centre and Bury Law Centre.
How to contact us
Go to the housing advice web page for details of the different ways you can contact us.
How we assess you needs
If you, or someone who lives with you, are homeless and have a priority need, we have to provide temporary accommodation while we:
- assess your case; and
- decide whether or not you are entitled to be given the highest priority on our Housing Register.
Having a priority need means that you come (or someone who lives with you comes) under one or more of the following categories. People in priority need:
- are pregnant;
- have dependent children;
- are homeless due to fire, flood or another emergency;
- are aged 18 to 21 and have just left care;
- are 16 to 17 years old and homeless through no fault of their own; or
- are vulnerable as a result of moving from accommodation because of violence or the threat of violence, old age, mental illness, physical disability or having lived in an institution.
You will be asked to provide proof of your circumstances which will be used to decide what help we can give you.
If I am not a priority need - how can you help me?
If you are not a priority need we will advise you on your options in finding housing in the private sector or other types of accommodation.
I have been given notice to leave my home - what do I do?
Contact us as soon as possible. Go to the housing advice web page for details of the different ways you can contact us.
Your homelessness interview
Who can apply?
Anyone who is homeless/or threatened with homelessness within 28 days.
Information on your homeless application
We will assess your application as we are required to do under the Housing Act 1996 Part VIII (as amended under the Homelessness Act 2002). In order to do this we will need to ask you a series of questions. You may be asked to provide confirmation of details. Our aim is to make a decision on your application within 28 days.
What we investigate?
We need to investigate five criteria. These include the following
- Eligibility for assistance;
- Homelessness;
- Priority need;
- If you are intentionally homeless;
- Local connection.
Giving correct information
You must ensure that you give us the correct information and do not withhold information. You must also inform us immediately if your circumstances change. Under Section 214 of the Housing Act 1996, it is a criminal offence to make a false statement or to withhold information with regard to your application. In addition this section applies if you fail to disclose any change in your circumstances.
Notification of decisions on homelessness applications
When we have made a decision on your application you will be informed, in writing, of our duty towards you. This could range from advice and assistance to providing permanent accommodation. Under section 184 of the Housing Act you are entitled to a written notification. The person that interviewed you will send the written notification to you when your application has been assessed.
Your right to request a review
Under Section 202 of the Housing Act 1996 you have a right to request a review of the decision made on your Homelessness application. You will need to request a review within 21 days of the date of the decision. This date will be on your written notification. Your request can be either verbal or in writing to the Homeless Prevention Manager, Homeless Prevention Team.
Written requests should be addressed to the Homeless Prevention Manager, Homeless Prevention Team, Town Hall, Knowsley Street, Bury, BL9 OSW.
Or by telephone, on 0161-253-5537.
