Housing Advice

The Housing Choices Team gives free specialist advice and assistance on housing matters to anybody in the District who needs it. We can offer advice for people in a wide variety of situations, for example, if you are homeless or could be made homeless soon, looking to buy your first home, already own your own home or rent a house from the council or privately.

You do not have to be a council tenant to receive advice. This advice may be given over the telephone or in person through a housing advice interview. Please contact the team directly in the first instance by telephone, e-mail or fax. If appropriate a housing advice interview will be arranged.

Should you wish to register an application or place a bid for a property with North West Leicestershire District Council, please visit our choice based lettings website

www.leicestershire-homes.org.uk 

Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) - December 2012 

The Government expects local authorities to have in place a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).  The pupose of the SWEP is to  prevent rough sleeper deaths during extreme cold weather and it provides an opportunity to help individuals during the extreme cold weather period so they do not return to the streets.   

Severe weather definition - the trigger for the SWEP to be activated is when the Met Office forecasts three nights, or more, of weather at a minimum temperature of Zero degrees Celsius (or below). The measurement will be taken from the BBC Weather Website (fed directly from the MET Office) using the following link http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/coalville#?tab=fiveDay.  An occasional forecast above zero in a series of sub- zero nights or the impact of rain, snow and wind chill will also be considered in relation to severe weather. 

Activation of the Protocol – the Housing Choices Team at the council will check the five day forecast every day before 10:00.  If three nights, or more, of weather at a minimum temperature of Zero degrees Celsius (or below) is forecast, the protocol will be activated and the Housing Choices team will arrange for any rough sleepers to be temporarily accommodated. Once activated, temporary accommodation will be provided for a minimum of a three-day period even if temperatures rise before this point. This will allow the Housing Choices team time to work with the individual to find a more lasting solution.

If you know of any rough sleepers in the District please contact the Housing Choices Team.

 Tel - 01530 454811 (Monday to Friday 8.45am-5pm)

        01530 454789 - Out of Hours and weekends 24 hours seven days a week  

Email – Housing.advice@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

Alternatively you can report a rough sleeper at http://www.streetlink.org.uk/