HOUSING SERVICES
Housing is an important issue within Horsham District, and the Council is committed to providing housing options and support for those most in need; from providing more affordable housing to ensuring that there is provision for those being made homeless during the current economic downturn.
Housing Register
The Council's Housing Services Department plays a key role in meeting the housing needs of the District. We manage the Housing Register, and nominate households to our Registered Social Landlord partners that have properties in the District. On this site you will find our nominations policy, application forms to join the register and details of our drop-in service.
Please remember that we have a distinct shortage of available properties in the District, and demand by far outstrips supply.
Housing Strategies and development
We are responsible for developing the District’s Housing Strategies. We have recently developed a new Housing Strategy to take us to 2013. This was informed by views of residents, businesses, partners and stakeholders. We would like to thank everyone who participated in the consultation process; we received a wide range of comments, suggestions and feedback from individuals, organizations and agencies. The new Strategy is a working document, and will be continually monitored with annual updates.
We also develop strategies on Homelessness, Rural Housing and Empty Homes.
To help address the shortage of affordable homes in the District, we work closely with our RSL partners, planners and local communities to enable new homes to meet housing need.
Community Link
We provide a range of assistive technology that helps you remain in your own home and maintain your independence with peace of mind and reduced feeling of isolation.
We also work with a range of organizations in the community that offer advice and support to remain in your own home. Advice can be provided on issues such as debt, managing your money, rights and welfare.
If you would like to speak to one of the Housing Team, please contact the Council’s Housing Options Advisory service on (01403) 215560.
Housing Services Team
Park North
North Street, Horsham
West Sussex, RH12 1RL Tel: (01403) 215560
Fax: (01403) 215243
E-mail: housing@horsham.gov.uk
Updated Housing Regsiter and Nominations Policy
We have reviewed and updated the Housing Register and Nominations Policy to reflect changes in housing need. The Council is required to amend policy on a regular basis to take account of legislative changes or new guidance. The main amendments are:
- to take into account the new Code of Guidance issued by Communities and Local Government in 2008 and subsequent guidance issued by CLG
- to refine the banding system to allow a better assessment of complex housing need
- to reflect high need where applicants are not homeless
- to make the type of accommodation applicants are eligible more clear and to explain the occupancy of double bedroomed accommodation and;
- to deal with the process to be applied where applicants are found intentionally homeless
In line with guidance from the Secretary of State in April 2009, the revised policy also ensures that applicants who need to move to suitable adapted accommodation because of a serious injury, medical condition or disability which he or she, or a member of their household, sustained as a result of service in the Armed Forces, are given reasonable preference.
Legal advice cash boost for West Sussex residents
An additional £500,000 investment in specialist advice services for West Sussex resients will be secured thanks to an agreement brokered by the County Council with the Legal Services Commission (LSC) and the District and Borough Councils. With the recession hitting and a tough time ahead for families across West Sussex, the Councils and the LSC have agreed to fund a new Community Legal Advice service for the County. The aim is to meet more people's needs by increasing capacity for specialist legal advice services, focussed on local need.
Consulation on what the service should look like has begun and organisations and the public are encouraged to give their views. For further details visit the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk. Go to 'Have your Say' and click on 'Community advice services'.
Homeowners Mortgage Support
Homeowners Mortgage Support (HMS) could help if your household has had a temporary, unexpected drop in income and it’s harder to meet your mortgage repayments. Find out about the help available at www.direct.gov.uk/hms - you could be eligible to delay some of your interest repayments for up to two years.
Housing News
Housing News (124kb)
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Avoid the pitfalls of Private Renting
Avoid the pitfalls of Private Renting (339KB)
New guidance released by Horsham District Council, in partnership with LACORS, aims to help people thinking of renting out their home. Rental income can help the budget, but a lack of knowledge of the law can prove costly further down the line.