Customers will be able to access all the services as normal, with new email and phone contact details as follows:
- Homeless Service - homeless.services@wolverhampton.gov.uk and 01902 556789
- HIA - HIA@wolverhampton.gov.uk
The new arrangements aim to realise operational benefits while continuing to deliver a seamless customer service.
Improvements for customers include a new face to face offer alongside the introduction of a new housing advice service.
This follows public consultation that identified residents want more face to face advice and support to help them stay in their accommodation.
The new model is also in line with councils up and down the country having to manage rising costs and a huge increase in demand for Temporary Accommodation.
Councillor Steve Evans, the council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, said: “We need to prevent more people losing their homes and through quality advice and support we will be able to offer that.
“The proposed Housing Advice and Homeless Prevention Service will manage the growing demand and improve residents’ ability to make well informed decisions regarding their housing options.
“We would like to thank Wolverhampton Homes for helping thousands of residents over the years and we have worked closely with them to make the transition to the remodelled service as smooth as possible.”
The transfer of the HIA and Telecare from Wolverhampton Homes to the council will provide the opportunity to streamline services and give the council greater oversight on the delivery of the housing adaptations service, which impacts on services within the council such as adult social care, children’s services and occupational health.
Councillor Evans added: “Wolverhampton Homes has been a key partner in the review of the HIA and Telecare and is supportive of the services being transferred to the council.
“The transfer will further simplify the ability for all services involved in both policy development and assessment and delivery of adaptations to work under one governance framework ensuring quick and timely decision making when needed as well as further encouraging a shared knowledge and resource base.
“The delivery of adaptations and telecare are an integral part of council functions and services. The council’s ability to ensure that elderly, vulnerable and disabled persons have access to aids, adaptations and technology supports people in remaining in their homes and will likely have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing, In addition, it also alleviates the pressures on health and social care services by reducing hospital admissions and the need for long term care both in and outside of the home.
