FOI request (FOIR-190687277)

Housing the Over 65s by Hastings Borough Council

Requested Wed 01 April 2020
Responded  Fri 24 April 2020

Housing People who are Over 65 Years of Age and in Receipt of State Pension / Pension Credit

I would like to know what steps the Council takes in order to house people over the age of 65 and in receipt of State Pension / Pension Credit.

My understanding is that most will be earmarked for Sheltered Accommodation, however there will be those who wish to live independently in the private rented housing sector.

In respect of the latter, how will those affected be able to be placed in the private rented sector?

If they are placed onto a register, please provide contact details of provider.

In terms of maintenance of the accommodation, are properties leased to the Council or its agents. If not leased, will maintenance instead fall on the private landlord?

Thank you in advance and I look forward to hearing from you within the requisite timescale.

Response

We currently have no tenants over 65 years old in our leased accommodation.

Applicants over the age of 65 can join the housing register if they have no identified housing need and wish to apply for sheltered accommodation. If applicants over the age of 65 are identified as having a housing need, they will be placed in a band on the housing register that reflects that need. These applicants will then be able to bid on (apply for) both sheltered properties and general needs properties with all housing associations who have properties in Hastings. If an applicant is over the age of 65 and would like to move to private rented accommodation, the same help is available to applicants under the age of 65.

The Council is currently able to offer interest free loans to applicants to pay for rent in advance and deposit on a property. In some instances the Council is also able to act a a rent guarantor. Each application is assessed on a case by case basis, and the property that the applicant applies for must be affordable and suitable for their needs.