Housing

Supporting young people with housing can be a complex and challenging task, particularly for those transitioning out of care or facing the risk of homelessness. As professionals, it's crucial to understand the variety of housing options available and the specific support needs of young people during this transitional period. These may include social housing, supported accommodation, housing associations, and schemes like shared ownership, all of which are designed to offer affordable, safe housing. Additionally, for young people facing homelessness, there are emergency accommodation options and longer-term solutions to help them regain stability.

It’s important to educate young people about their rights and options, from housing benefits to tenancy agreements, so they feel empowered to make informed decisions about their living situations. This guide aims to help professionals navigate the key terms and support services available, ensuring young people are supported in securing stable and safe housing, whether they are leaving care, at risk of homelessness, or seeking their first independent home.

    • Housing Association: These provide homes for those who cannot afford to buy their own, such as single parents, older people, or young people leaving care.

    • Housing Benefit: A financial support to help people on low incomes with their housing costs.

    • Registered Social Landlords (RSLs): Non-profit organisations, usually housing associations, registered with the Tenant Services Authority.

    • Shared Ownership: A scheme that allows people to part rent and part buy a house, making homeownership more affordable.

    • Social Housing: Affordable housing provided by the council or housing associations, typically for people with a lower income.

    • Tenancy Agreement: A legal document that outlines your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and the landlord's obligations.

    • Rent and Increases: Rent is often high and can increase annually. It's important to budget to make sure you can afford your rent each month.

    • Deposit: Many landlords expect a deposit and some may require rent in advance. In Wirral, you can apply for the Bond Scheme if you're struggling to afford a deposit.

    • Assured Short hold Tenancy: This is the most common form of rental agreement, which allows landlords to end the tenancy after a fixed term, typically six months.

    • What is Social Housing?
      Social housing is rented housing provided by the council or housing associations. It is typically cheaper than private rental properties and offers more security from eviction.

    • Who Qualifies for Social Housing?
      Social housing is allocated by the council, and priority is given to those with the greatest need. Young people leaving care, those at risk of homelessness, or those with physical or mental health issues may qualify for priority housing.

    • How to Apply:
      To apply for social housing in Wirral, you will need to provide information such as where you live, your health status, your income, and savings. The council uses this information to determine your priority level. The waiting list may be long, but you can express interest in available properties through Choice-Based Lettings.

    • Right to Stay:
      In most cases, landlords cannot evict you without a court order. If you're asked to leave, seek advice immediately.

    • Right to Challenge Rent:
      For certain types of tenancies, you may be able to challenge the rent charged by the landlord, particularly for assured tenancies.

    • Right to Repairs:
      Your landlord is responsible for repairs to the structure of the property, including plumbing and heating. If repairs are not made, you can ask for them to be completed.

  • If you struggle to afford a deposit for a privately rented property, you can apply for the Bond Scheme. Instead of paying a cash deposit, the council can provide a bond to cover up to one month’s rent. This scheme is designed to help those at risk of homelessness or in housing need.

    Eligibility:

    • Over 18

    • Lived or worked in Wirral for the past six months

    • Cannot afford a deposit

    • Must agree to receive tenancy support

  • When moving into a new home, there are essential services and household items you will need to arrange. These include:

    Additionally, if you face difficulties, there are support services for food, utilities, and household items available through Wirral Foodbank and emergency financial support via Wirral Council.

  • If you are at risk of homelessness, Wirral Council offers advice and assistance. You may be eligible for emergency accommodation or long-term housing solutions if you are in priority need. This includes young people who have been in care, those with dependent children, or individuals facing violence or harassment.

    For more information and to complete the housing options form, visit: Wirral Homelessness Support

Risk Indicators

Understanding the housing-related risks for young people is essential for professionals to provide appropriate support. This tool uses a RAG (Low, Increased, High) system to assess the level of concern based on behaviours, associations, and signs of potential housing issues.

Low Risk

These indicators suggest that the young person is managing their housing situation well and is not currently facing significant issues. They are experiencing typical challenges that many young people encounter as they transition to independent living, but are not at immediate risk.

Increased Risk

These indicators suggest that the young person is beginning to experience difficulties with their housing situation. While they are not in immediate crisis, there are emerging concerns that should be monitored and addressed.

High Risk

These indicators suggest serious concern, and the young person is likely experiencing significant housing-related problems that could impact their long-term wellbeing and stability. Immediate action is required to prevent further harm.

    • Stable accommodation: The young person has secure housing and is managing their rent and bills appropriately.

    • Good understanding of housing rights: The young person is aware of their rights as a tenant and understands how to deal with issues related to landlords or housing.

    • Engaged with housing support services: They are actively receiving support with tenancy management, budgeting, or other relevant services.

    • Positive social support: The young person has access to family, friends, or professionals who can help with any housing-related issues.

    • Difficulty managing rent and bills: The young person is struggling to keep up with rent payments or utility bills, potentially leading to arrears or financial stress.

    • Housing instability: They may be facing an uncertain housing situation, such as the threat of eviction or living in overcrowded or unsuitable conditions.

    • Frequent moves: The young person has moved several times in a short period, indicating possible instability in their housing situation.

    • Limited knowledge of housing options: The young person may not fully understand their housing rights, available support services, or the different housing options they can access.

    • Temporary accommodation: The young person may be staying with friends or family temporarily and is unsure about where they will live next.

    • The young person is using large amounts of money or engaging in high-stakes gambling.

    • Gambling is becoming an obsession, and the individual cannot control or stop their behaviour, despite negative consequences.

    • They are engaging in criminal activity (e.g., stealing, borrowing excessively) to fund their gambling.

    • The young person has significant emotional distress related to gambling, such as feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, or depression.

    • They may be withdrawing from social activities and isolating themselves, choosing to gamble instead of engaging with family or friends.

    • There is clear evidence of addiction, such as gambling frequently, risking more money than is affordable, or spending increasing amounts of time gambling.

    • The young person is experiencing financial problems, accumulating debts or using harmful coping mechanisms to manage the stress of their gambling habit.

    • They have engaged in self-harm or expressed suicidal thoughts as a result of the negative impact gambling is having on their life.

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