31 Duties to persons found to be homeless.S
(1)This section applies where a local authority are satisfied that an applicant is homeless.
(2)Where they are satisfied that he has a priority need and are not satisfied that he became homeless intentionally, they shall, unless they notify another local authority in accordance with section 33 (referral of application on ground of local connection) secure that [F1permanent] accommodation becomes available for his occupation.
[F2(2A)In a restricted case the local authority shall cease to be subject to the duty under subsection (2) if the applicant, having been informed of the matters mentioned in subsection (2B)—
(a)accepts a private accommodation offer, or
(b)refuses such an offer.
(2B)The matters are—
(a)the possible consequence of refusal of the offer, and
(b)that the applicant has the right to request a review of the decisions mentioned in section 35A(2)(e).
(2C)In this section “a restricted case” means a case falling within subsection (2) where the local authority would not be satisfied as mentioned in subsections (1) and (2) without having had regard to a restricted person.
(2D)For the purposes of this Part an offer is a private accommodation offer if—
(a)it is an offer of a short assured tenancy made by a landlord to the applicant in relation to any accommodation which is, or may become, available for the applicant's occupation,
(b)it is made, with the approval of the local authority, in pursuance of arrangements made by them with the landlord with a view to bringing their duty under subsection (2) to an end, and
(c)the tenancy being offered is for a period of at least 12 months.
(2E)The local authority shall not approve a private accommodation offer unless they are satisfied that it is reasonable for the applicant to accept the offer.
(2F)For the purposes of subsection (2E) an applicant may reasonably be expected to accept an offer even though he is under contractual or other obligations in respect of his existing accommodation, provided he is able to bring those obligations to an end before he is required to take up the offer.
(2G)In a restricted case the local authority shall, so far as reasonably practicable, bring their duty under subsection (2) to an end as mentioned in subsection (2A).
(2H)Subsections (2A) to (2G) are without prejudice to any other way in which the local authority can cease to be subject to the duty under subsection (2).]
(3)[F3[F4In any other case], they] [F3In a case not falling within subsection (2), the local authority] shall—
(a)secure that accommodation is made available for [F5his] [F5the applicant's] occupation for such period as they consider will give him a reasonable opportunity of himself securing accommodation for his occupation; and
(b)furnish him with advice and [F6assistance of such type as may be prescribed], in any attempts he may make to secure that accommodation becomes available for his occupation.
F7(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F8(5)For the purposes of subsection (2), “permanent accommodation” includes accommodation—
(a)secured by a Scottish secure tenancy,
(b)secured by an assured tenancy that is not a short assured tenancy,
(c)where paragraph 1 or 2 of schedule 6 to the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp10) is satisfied in relation to the applicant, secured by a short Scottish secure tenancy.]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 31(2) inserted (30.9.2002) by 2001 asp 10, s. 3(3)(a); S.S.I. 2002/321, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions and savings in arts. 3-5)
F2S. 31(2A)-(2H) inserted (2.3.2009 for specified purposes) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), s. 325(1), Sch. 15 para. 12(2); S.I. 2009/415, art. 3
F3Words in s. 31(3) substituted (2.3.2009 for specified purposes) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), s. 325(1), Sch. 15 para. 12(3)(a); S.I. 2009/415, art. 3
F4Words in s. 31(3) substituted (30.9.2002) by 2001 asp 10, s. 3(3)(b)(i); S.S.I. 2002/321, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions and savings in arts. 3-5)
F5Words in s. 31(3)(a) substituted (2.3.2009 for specified purposes) by Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17), s. 325(1), Sch. 15 para. 12(3)(b); S.I. 2009/415, art. 3
F6Words in s. 31(3)(b) substituted (30.9.2002) by 2001 asp 10, s. 3(3)(b)(ii); S.S.I. 2002/321, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions and savings in arts. 3-5)
F7S. 31(4) repealed (30.9.2002) by 2001 asp 10, s. 3(3)(c); S.S.I. 2002/321, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions and savings in arts. 3-5)
F8S. 31(5) inserted (30.9.2002) by 2001 asp 10, s. 3(3)(d); S.S.I. 2002/321, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions and savings in arts. 3-5)