Out of area placements
Posted by Debbie Watson May 18, 2015
Nationally, there has been a significant increase in the number of out of area placements. In December 2014, figures released by the Department for Communities and Local Government showed that as at 30 September 2014, 15,260 homeless households were in out-of-area temporary accommodation - an increase of 123% in three years.
There have been some recent high profile court cases with a focus on out of area placements by local authorities.
A summary of the 2 out of area placement court cases is available below along with the ‘Out of area placement – regulation and guidance to Local authorities’
Good Practice
The Pan London Agreement demonstrates good practice developed for use across London. It exists to ensure London boroughs do not ‘out-bid’ each other by offering a higher price for properties, and makes sure they are safeguarding their most vulnerable households. The Agreement also advises that the boroughs inform each other of out of borough placements, and that Registered Providers should offer any Housing Association Leasing Schemes to the host borough first.
For any local authority officer who requires advice about when and how to use out of area placement, please contact the NHAS Consultancy Line.