Temporary accommodation placement policy

Scope

This policy covers the placement of homeless households in temporary accommodation whether within or outside of the district

Effective Date:

October 2025

Date agreed Review Date:

October 2026

Author:

Temporary Accommodation Housing Manager

Policy Owned by:

Executive Director- Place

Statute: 

• Housing Act 1996
• Children Act 2004
• the Equality Act 2010

National Standards and Guidance: 

Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Orders 1996, 2003 and 2012

Related Policies:

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy

Introduction

1.1     This policy sets out Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s approach to the placement of homeless households in temporary accommodation whether within or outside of the district.

1.2     The policy covers both interim temporary accommodation placements made under Section 188 of the Housing Act 1996, whilst homelessness inquiries are undertaken, and longer term temporary accommodation placements for households accepted as homeless under Section 193 of the Housing Act 1996.

1.3     In developing this placement policy, the Council has taken into account the following:

• the Housing Act 1996 (as amended), including Sections 206, 208 and 210
• relevant case law
• the Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Orders 1996, 2003 and 2012
• relevant government guidance, including the Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities
• section 11 of the Children Act 2004
• the Equality Act 2010.

1.4     This policy should be read in conjunction with the Council’s most recent Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, which sets out our priorities and plans for securing that sufficient accommodation is available for local homeless households.