Protection of Personal Property

Protection of Personal Property

Under Chapter 20 of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Local Authorities may owe duties to protect the personal property of a customer who is homeless and eligible for assistance, if you're unable to protect them yourself (due to illness, financial hardship, or other reasons), and no other suitable arrangements have been made.

In cases where the Local Authority does not owe a duty, we may still use our discretionary powers to help protect your belongings where appropriate.

Please talk to the Homeless Prevention Team about this and they can assess your eligibility and make any arrangements.

Returning your Belongings Once You Have been Housed or Disengage

As is stated in our ‘Accommodation Terms of Residence':

Placement end – It is your responsibility to pack and remove your belongings when your stay has ended. Failure to do so will result in your belongings being disposed of after one month.

The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 gives local authorities the power to dispose of goods found on their premises or deposited with them.

If your belongings remain in the temporary accommodation or in storage after our duty has ended, we will issue a warning under Section 41(3) of the 1982 Act requiring you to collect the property within 28 days.

If your property is not collected within 28 days, we may dispose of it. This also applies if we are unable to contact you and cannot trace your whereabouts.

If you're concerned about your belongings during homelessness, please contact The Homeless Prevention Team:

Contact Centre - 01789 267575

Homelessness - 01789 260126

Housing Advice Team - 01789 260861

Email: homeless@stratford-dc.gov.uk