Suffolk Coastal transferred its stock of council housing to
the Suffolk Heritage Housing Association over a decade ago. The
association manages and maintains the houses it purchased from the
Council and those it has built since then. Follow this link to find
out how
to apply for Housing Association accommodation.
The Council still has influence in respect of allocation of
tenancies to ensure the more vulnerable members of society are
afforded equal access to an appropriate home.
Suffolk Coastal is also working in partnership with local Housing
Associations to develop affordable housing and
shared
ownership housing for local people.
Local councils have responsibilities for ensuring people
have access to housing of an acceptable standard of quality and
amenity. Suffolk Coastal has two teams working towards this
aim:
Housing Options Team
The Housing Options Team offers help and advice on housing
issues for tenants and landlords as well as
homeless people. The team have set up
several initiatives, including rent
deposit schemes, to make it easier for people to get into
a home of their own.
The team have produced a range of leaflets you can download giving
advice on housing related matters such as dealing with rent or
mortgage arrears, coping with debt, relationship breakdowns and
mediation for homeless applicants.
The team also works closely with local charities to assist in
provision of suitable housing within the private sector. You can
contact the Housing Options Team by
on 01394 444237 or email
homelessness@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk
Private Sector Housing Team
The Private Sector Housing Team deals with all privately owned accommodation,
whether it be tenanted, owner occupied, or otherwise. The
accommodation can also be very varied; including tents, caravans,
houseboats as well as the more usual forms of abode. The team
consists of environmental health officers with technical and
administrative support and is responsible for ensuring that
adequate housing standards are maintained, by enforcement if
necessary.
Peoples' aspirations are constantly rising and what is desirable
has to be balanced against what is necessary. Housing is usually
for individuals, families or small groups of people but our
approach also reflects regional and even global considerations.
Consider how renovating and insulating an unkempt and unfit
property can affect not only the occupant, but the surrounding
neighbours and reduce the impact of global warming. Grants may be
available to meet the aims published in the Council's
housing renewal strategy.
Wherever possible people are helped to remain in their own home.
For example, grants are available to adapt homes where they
are occupied by people with disabilities. Suffolk Coastal also
operates a home improvement agency, Helping Hand, which offers support and guidance
to home owners where needed.
You can contact the Private Sector Housing Team by on
01394 444506 or email
p.s.housing@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk