Isle of Wight Council

Homeless Section - Housing Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions for this Service

Question: Does the Council have a housing duty to those seeking asylum?

Answer: Councils do not have a duty to provide accommodation to asylum claimants who made a claim after 3 April 2000. If an asylum seeker has been given leave to remain in the UK and makes a homelessness application the council may refer their application to the local authority where they were provided with accommodation under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

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Question: I am on the Island Homefinder Scheme and my circumstances have changed, what do I need to do?

Answer: If you have moved address you will need to contact Housing & Family Support in writing or by email with the details of your new home. The Council will then change the address on your application and write to you with further instructions. If your circumstances have changed but your address remains the same, you can update the details online by logging into your application. Any letters should be sent to the Island HomeFinder Team, County Hall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD and emails sent to housing@iow.gov.uk.

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Question: How do I apply for social housing on the Isle of Wight?

Answer: You need to register to apply for properties through the Island HomeFinder Scheme. The form can be completed online at www.islandhomefinder.org.uk. If you are unable to access the website or have specific needs, please contact the Housing & Family Support Team at County Hall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD or on 01983 823040.

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Question: Where can I receive information and advice on Housing?

Answer: Contact Housing & Family Support at County Hall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD or telephone on (01983) 823040

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Question: I have just been given Notice to Quit (NTQ) by my landlord what should I do?

Answer: You need to speak to the Homelessness Prevention Team. Please contact them on (01983) 823040 and state you are threatened with homelessness and ask to complete an initial enquiry form. You will be asked for details of your household and current circumstances before the form is forwarded to the Homelessness Prevention Team for an officer to contact you by telephone. Alternatively you can visit Housing & Family Support at County Hall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD to complete a form in person. The drop in service is available for Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm but please be advised that there can be a wait during busy periods.

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Question: I am on the Island Homefinder Scheme and have moved address, what do I need to do?

Answer: You will need to update your application as any change of circumstances may affect your banding on Island HomeFinder. If you wish to update your form online, you will be required to inform the Council of your new address by writing to the Island HomeFinder Team at County Hall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD or emailing housing@iow.gov.uk. Once the Council is aware of your new address, you will be written to with details of how to update your application. Alternatively, you can print out and complete a paper Island HomeFinder form. - Related Link

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Question: I am homeless, what should I do?

Answer: You need to speak to the Homelessness Prevention Team. Please contact them on (01983) 823040 and state you are homeless and ask to complete an initial enquiry form. You will be asked for details of your household and current circumstances before the form is forwarded to the Homelessness Prevention Team for an officer to contact you by telephone. Alternatively you can visit Housing & Family Support at County Hall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD to complete a form in person. The drop in service is available for Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm but please be advised that there can be a wait during busy periods.

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Question: After being released from prison, I have nowhere to live. Can you help?

Answer: If you are currently in prison and have nowhere to live once you are released, please contact the Probation Office on 01983 523265 who will liaise with Housing Services on your behalf.

If you have already been released from prison and are homeless, you need to speak to the Homelessness Prevention Team. Please contact them on (01983) 823040 and state you are homeless and ask to complete an initial enquiry form. You will be asked for details of your household and current circumstances before the form is forwarded to the Homelessness Prevention Team for an officer to contact you by telephone. Alternatively you can visit Housing & Family Support at County Hall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD to complete a form in person. The drop in service is available for Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm but please be advised that there can be a wait during busy periods.


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Question: I have received a Notice Seeking Possession / Notice to Quit / Court Summons / Warrant for Possession of Property. What should I do ?

Answer: You need to speak to the Homelessness Prevention Team. Please contact them on (01983) 823040 and state you are threatened with homelessness and ask to complete an initial enquiry form. You will be asked for details of your household and current circumstances before the form is forwarded to the Homelessness Prevention Team for an officer to contact you by telephone. Alternatively you can visit Housing & Family Support at County Hall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD to complete a form in person. The drop in service is available for Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm but please be advised that there can be a wait during busy periods. If you wish to seek independent legal advice you may also wish to contact the Law Centre, Exchange House, St Cross Lane, Newport, tel 01983 524715, or the Citizens Advice Bureau, Exchange House, St Cross Lane, Newport, tel 0845 1202959. Free advice will be available which may also include representation in court.

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Question: Who can I contact for advice regarding my landlord?

Answer: For independent legal advice contact the Law Centre, Exchange House, St Cross Lane, Newport, telephone 01983 524715, email to info@iowlc.org.uk. Alternatively, you can contact Housing & Family Support at County Hall, High Street, Newport, by telephoning 01983 823040 or emailing housing@iow.gov.uk.

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Question: Can my landlord evict me by changing the locks and removing my belongings?

Answer: If the landlord evicts you by changing the locks and removing your belongings he is breaking the law. You need to seek legal advice by contacting the Law Centre, Exchange House, St Cross Lane, Newport, tel 01983 524715, e-mail on info@iowlc.org.uk or the Housing & Family Support at County Hall, High Street, Newport, by telephoning 01983 823040 or emailing housing@iow.gov.uk

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Question: Is there somewhere I can get extra clothing for winter?

Answer: The Salvation Army are always happy to help if they can. They can be contacted on 01983 526312 or visit their web site. - Related Link

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Question: I am under 18 and homeless or faced with homelessness what should I do?

Answer: Housing Services do not deal with single people under 18. If you already have a Social worker you should contact them directly. If you do not already have a Social Worker and you are under 18 you should contact Hampshire Childrens Services on 0845 603 5620 during office hours or out of hours on 0845 600 4555. If you have dependent children or are pregant and under 18 initial contact should still be made with Social Services but you will also need to complete an inital enquiry sheet for Housing Services and an advisor will call you back.

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Question: Do you offer help with rent deposits?

Answer: The Isle of Wight Council does have a Rent Deposit Scheme but it is not available to everyone. It is only available to households that are homeless or threatened with homelessness, that are considered to be in priority need under current homeless legislation, who do not have the financial means to fund a deposit themselves and have explored and exhausted all other ways to finance a deposit.
If you think you are eligible under the above criteria you will need to complete an Initial Enquiry form on line at https://www.iwight.com/Residents/Care-Support-and-Housing/Housing/Housing-Options-and-Homelessness-Prevention-Advice/Tasks or by contacting (01983) 823040 and a Homeless Prevention Officer will contact you back to provide further advice.
If you have been short listed for an offer of social housing through the Island HomeFinder scheme and are being asked to provide a deposit before you can take up the accommodation you can only be considered for assistance with a deposit if the above criteria applies at the time of the offer.


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Question: Does the council operate a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP)?

Answer: All housing authorities are required to ensure that there is provision in place for rough sleepers during periods of extreme weather to prevent people dying on the streets in the cold.

Details of how the Isle of Wight Council’s SWEP operates and who is eligible can be found on the Rough Sleepers Advice page of the council’s website.
- Related Link

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