Homelessness and temporary accommodation
East Renfrewshire Council Homeless Service
What do I do if I am homeless or about to be made homeless?
You should approach the council’s housing office in either Barrhead, Thornliebank or Eastwood
You will meet with our homeless persons officer. If you would prefer you could phone the homeless persons officer direct, their phone number and address are at the end of this section.
What if the housing office is closed?
If you become homeless outside normal office hours, you should contact the council’s emergency number. There is a standby service which operates through the night and at weekends. The phone number is 0800 052 0180. They will be able to offer temporary accommodation, if it’s needed. You will need to contact the housing office the next day.
Why do I need an interview?
The help we can offer depends on your own particular needs and we will need to find out more about your circumstances.
What kind of questions will I be asked?
We will need to find out how you became homeless, what your circumstances are and what we can do to help you. You will be asked to complete a form which will detail information like:
Where you lived
Your reasons for being homeless
Any medical issues you may have
If you’ve been receiving any kind of support
What kind of support you may need
If there’s anything which can be done to prevent you being made homeless
All the information we asked helps to give us a better picture of your needs and will help us in deciding how we can best help you.
Can I take someone with me to the interview with me?
Yes. If you would feel more comfortable by bringing someone with you, whether it’s a relative, a friend or a social worker/advice worker, you should bring him or her along. Often the other person will remember things and be able to help you.
How long will it take for them to give me a decision?
We will give you a decision within a maximum of 28 days. The only time we won’t meet that timescale is if there is some information which we are waiting for from you, or a relevant organisation to make a decision.
How will I find out about the decision?
If you have somewhere to live, or have temporary accommodation, we will post our decision to you. If you don’t have a postal address, you will need to arrange to come in to one of our housing offices to collect your letter.
What if I disagree with the Council’s decision?
If you don’t agree, you will have 21 days to appeal against the decision.
Is it worth appealing if I disagree?
Decisions can be changed after an appeal. You may want to get advice from an organisation which is used to dealing with these situations.
How does the appeal work?
You will need to write to us explaining why you think our decision was wrong? It isn’t enough to say: “I don’t agree”. We will look again at the decision, and will use a different person in the housing service to look at it with a fresh eye.
You may be invited to meet with us, or, if you prefer the appeal can be based on the information you’ve already given us in your appeal letter. If you would like a meeting, you should let us know that in your appeal letter. If you do want a meeting, you have the right to be accompanied by a friend or adviser.
We aim to give you a decision on your appeal within seven days of receiving your appeal letter. If you would like assistance with your appeal, there is a list of organisations at the end of this section who could help you.
Does the Council have to give me a house if I am homeless?
It depends on your circumstances. Some people have a right to a permanent house, others have a right to temporary accommodation to give them time to find somewhere permanent for themselves.
The situation is quite complicated, and you might want to talk with an organisation like a Citizens Advice Bureau or Shelter or one of the council’s social workers before (or after) your interview.
If I am provided with temporary accommodation, will I have to pay for it?
This depends on your finances. If you get Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, you will be able to get housing benefit. If not, you may need to make a contribution to the rent and any service charges. Any charges will be explained to you at your initial interview.
If I am provided with permanent accommodation, will I be able to choose where I can live?
You will get two offers of housing. We will always aim to get you a house in the area you need. But, it may not always be possible and you could be offered a house in an area you haven’t chosen. If you are offered a house or an area you do not want, you should get advice before refusing it.
What if I am not offered accommodation?
Not every homeless person has a right to a permanent house from us. If this happens to you, we will provide you with advice and assistance to help you to find your own house.
Who can I get advice from?
There are a number of organisations and individuals listed who can give you help and assistance.
Council Headquarters
Eastwood Park,
Rouken Glen Road,
Giffnock,
G46 6UG
General Enquiries: 0141 577 3001
Shelter Scotland
Housing Aid Centre
274 Sauchiehall Street
Glasgow
G2 3EH
Phone 0844 893 5560
24-hour-Freephone 0808 800 4444
East Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau
216 Main Street
Barrhead
East Renfrewshire
G78 1SN
Phone 0141 881 2032
Homeless Persons Officer
East Renfrewshire Council Offices
211 Main Street
Barrhead
East Renfrewshire
G78 1SY
Phone 0141 577 3671
Thornliebank Housing Office
190 Carnwadric Road
Thornliebank
East Renfrewshire
G46 8HH
Phone 0141 577 3700
Homelessness Out of Hours
Phone 0800 052 0180
East Renfrewshire Council Social Work Department
211 Main Street
Barrhead
East Renfrewshire
G78 1SY
Phone 0141 577 8300
East Renfrewshire Council Social Work Department
Busby Road
Clarkston
East Renfrewshire
G76 7AT
Phone 0141 577 4000
Your local Councillor
For details on who your local councillor is contact East Renfrewshire Council on 0141 577 3107 or 0141 577 3108
Local councillors are responsible for developing local policies that implement homelessness legislation.
Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP)
Kenneth Macintosh, MSP
1st Floor
238 Ayr Road
Newton Mearns
East Renfrewshire
G77 6AA
Phone 0141 577 0100