What criteria will be used by local authorities to determine when temporary accommodation can be “flipped” to permanent housing, and how ho…

Key to a successful programme of flipping activity is ensuring that the accommodation is of good quality and meets the needs of the household. In my statement on the housing emergency, I referenced the guidance produced by ALACHO on flipping temporary accommodation to a household’s settled home. This flipping practice note sets out options and considerations for converting a temporary let into a permanent tenancy.Outcomes from a decision to flip temporary accommodation should be consistent with the council’s overall approach to offering permanent and temporary accommodation. ALACHO has set out various factors to be taken into account in a local authority’s approach to flipping and recommends that any proposal to flip accommodation should:meet the council’s statutory obligations to the applicant involved;represent a reasonable offer of accommodation;be consistent with the needs and wishes of the applicant;ensure no reduction in the level of choice or control afforded relative to other applicants;provide a sustainable housing outcome;not disadvantage either those accepting a flip, those who refuse such an offer and those not in a position to receive such an offer;support the council’s ability to meet its duty to offer temporary accommodation;ensure that the transition from temporary to settled accommodation is actively managed, including any change to the availability of support services or eligibility for benefits;be linked to a clear process for replacing the temporary let if necessary; andoffer value for money to the council in relation to any replacement of furniture and fittings that are included in the offer of a permanent let.ALACHO’s flipping practice note should be read alongside the Scottish Government’s Code of Guidance on Homelessness and the Scottish Government’s Temporary Accommodation Standards Framework as well as taking local policies into account.