Temporary Accommodation Storage Charging Policy

Overview

For several years, the Council has been providing free storage and removal services to households who approach the Council as homeless (and who are not in a position to protect their belongings) whilst they are seeking support from the Housing Needs department to resolve their housing situation.  

The Housing Act 1996 (Pt VII, s.211) stipulates that a housing Authority must take reasonable steps to prevent the loss of, or to prevent or mitigate damage to, any personal property of a household to which the Authority owes a housing duty (interim or full).  It is further stipulated that a housing Authority may impose conditions on the assistance provided where it is considered appropriate.

As a result of the current housing crisis, households are experiencing significantly longer waiting times to access both private and social housing and with increased demand on the Temporary Accommodation and Resettlement Service, the Council’s current scheme is costly and insufficient.

What are the proposed changes?

The Council is facing a significant overspend on its temporary accommodation budget and the ongoing costs of providing free storage and removals provisions is causing an immense financial strain on the vital resources needed to rehouse residents into settled accommodation providing the much needed stability and sanctuary of an established home. 

The Council is proposing to introduce a reasonable charge for the provisions of storage and removal services.

The proposed charges being considered are listed below:

• 10 per cent of the storage charge if the household is in receipt of welfare benefits.
• 25 per cent of the storage charge if the household is working part-time.
• Full storage charge if the household is working full-time.

The weekly storage charge for one crate is £16.00 per week.

• 10 per cent of the removals charge if the household is in receipt of welfare benefits.
• 25 per cent of the removals charge if the household is working part-time.
• Full charge for removals if the household is working full-time.
• Full charge for all cancellations that result from a household not being ready for the storage/removals job despite being provided with ample notice of a scheduled appointment.

Why your views matter

We are seeking your views on the introduction of charges for the provision of storage and removals services to households seeking assistance from the Housing Needs department. Your comments will help us decide on how best to administer the new charging policy.

If you need help to complete this survey, or require it in an alternative format (e.g. paper copy or in an alternative language) please contact the Housing Needs Team by email at TAStorage@rbkc.gov.uk.