Tell me more about the homelessness interview.
Becoming homeless can be frightening, stressful and destabilising. Our aim is to reduce the pressures felt by applicants, provide help to ease the immediate problem and solutions to ensure permanent and sustainable accommodation. Interviews are private and confidential and are conducted by one of our experienced homelessness officers. Applicants are welcome to be accompanied by a friend, relative, social worker or independent advisor if they wish.
From the outset, applicants should bring along any documentation relating to their homelessness. We may require such information, if available, as a notice to quit letter, or statement from a solicitor or doctor. With the applicant's permissions, copies of these will be made. The more detailed the information and documentation, the speedier a decision can be made. Whilst the assessment process is ongoing, the Homelessness Officer should be advised of any changes in circumstances, for example removing someone from an application or adding someone to it.
Any notes taken at the interview will be read to the applicant and they will be asked to confirm the information is correct. They will be given a signed copy of their statement. Applicants are also asked to sign a legal declaration verifying that all the information provided is true. This declaration stresses that it is a criminal act to give false, misleading or inaccurate information. All information provided is held on computer. Case notes are stored securely. Aberdeen City Council will process your information fairly and lawfully and in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998.
Applicants have the right to obtain details of the personal information held by the Data Controller. Such a request is known as a subject access request. Any requirement for a copy of personal information held by the Council should be addressed to Data Protection Liaison Officer, Aberdeen City Council, Neighbourhood Services (Central Area), 1st Floor, St. Nicholas House, Broad Street, Aberdeen AB10 1BX.
The Council aims to give a written decision within 28 days from the date of application. This is not possible in every case, but it is essential that contact is maintained while an application is ongoing.
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