DISCLAIMER:

This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.

Simple terms explainer

If someone is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and they can’t protect their belongings—like furniture, clothes, or kitchen items—the council may step in to help. The council must take reasonable steps to prevent those items from being lost or damaged, especially if the person has nowhere safe to store them or is unable to manage due to health or other issues. The council can also help protect belongings of people who live with the applicant. In some cases, they may use private storage services or offer advice on how to keep possessions safe.

Legal status

Statutory


Duty category

Housing


Duty type

Compliance


Social determinant of health

Social and community context

Emerging policy and legislation


1

Bodies with shared interest

Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO)

Standards and frameworks


0