Housing Services

Thank you for visiting Hart District Council's Housing Website. To help us improve our service to the District, we would be grateful if you could take a few moments to fill in and return (either via email or post) the survey on Equality and Diversity

• Equality and Diversity Survey
• Equality and Diversity Survey

For the latest information regarding Hart's Housing Services please see the Housing News section

The provision of good quality homes is, fundamental to maintaining Hart as a District that people want to live and work in. The area continues to generate strong local economic growth, which most of our residents benefit from. That prosperity, however, brings a number of challenges – high house prices principal amongst them.

In 1994 Hart District Council transferred all its housing stock to Sentinel Housing Association. Sentinel Housing Association along with various other Housing Associations now provide all the social housing in the District.  

Although Hart District Council is no longer a provider of housing, we remain committed to the provision of affordable and supported housing through housing associations. The Council also continues to be the statutory housing authority for the area, and works in close collaboration with other organisations to ensure that the most acute housing needs in the District are met.

Audit Commision Inspection

The Affordable Housing Service was inspected in March 2006 and a report published in Auigust 2006. The inspection found a number of strengths about the services

• The Council has delivered a high level of affordable homes over the past three years and affordable housing options have been expanded for home seekers.
• The homelessness service has improved with a reduced level of homeless acceptances in 2005/06. In 2004/05 it was within the best 25 per cent performers in the areas of average number of weeks spent by homeless families in propriety need in temporary accommodation, and the reduction in the number of families placed in temporary accommodation.
• The service areas of planning and housing benefit have made significant performance improvements, and the Council has accessed government funding to assist this process.
• A clearer aligned framework is in place to deliver the Council’s aims, through the development of the corporate plan, housing strategy and service plans.

The inspection team found the service to be fair but with uncertain prospects for improvement

The following documents are available for further information

• The Audit Commission Local Authority Housing Inspection Report  for Hart District Council
• Hart District Council's Response to the Inspection Report
• The Action Plan that has been produced as a result

Hart District Council Housing Services

Between 1994 and 30th January 2006, Sentinel Housing Association has delivered the Housing Register, Homelessness and Housing Advice service on behalf of Hart District Council. However since Monday 30th January 2006 these services have returned in house. We hope that this will improve customer service by providing a one stop shop for people facing housing problems. We also operate the Rent Deposit Scheme from this office.

Housing Register

For information on how to apply for social housing within the Hart District and how the housing register works please see the Housing Register page.

Housing Advice and Homelessness

Hart District Council also provide advice and assistance to anyone who is threatened with homelessness or is currently homeless. Our Housing Options Officers interview and advise all their clients with the aim of preventing homelessness before it occurs. This cannot always be achieved so if you meet specific criteria, which is laid down by government legislation they will offer temporary accommodation whilst they are actively looking for permanent housing.  For more information please see our homelessness page.

How can I contact the Housing Needs Section at Hart District Council?

If you would like any further information about housing in the Hart District or need any housing advice please contact our Housing Needs Section by:

• Telephoning us  on (01252) 774420,
• Calling into the Civic Offices between Monday and Friday, 9am to 12pm, or 1pm to 4pm to talk to a duty Housing Options Officer.
• Emailing housing@hart.gov.uk,
• Faxing us on (01252) 774260,
• Writing to:
                Hart District Council
                Civic Offices
                Harlington Way
                Fleet
                GU51 4AE
  

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