Not opted-in supplier is the most appropriate option

An Emergency Housing Grant can be paid for a not opted-in supplier if it is the most appropriate option (even if the client has access to an opted-in supplier adequate for their needs).

A not opted-in supplier may be considered the most appropriate option when:

• it will lead to improved overall outcomes for the client, their partner and dependent children (if any) or
• it will support MSD to manage availability, safety, and suitability

Note MSD will still need to consider if the emergency housing accommodation is adequate and a reasonable cost.

When there are both opted-in suppliers and not-opted in suppliers adequate for the needs of the client, their partner and dependent children (if any), a not opted-in supplier can be considered when it is the most appropriate option.

When deciding if a not opted-in supplier is the most appropriate option we need to consider whether paying for the not opted-in supplier will:

• lead to improved overall outcomes for the client, their partner and dependent children (if any)

Factors to consider when deciding if the not opted-in supplier is the most appropriate option include:

• if the not opted-in supplier is more suitable for the needs of the client, their partner and dependent children (if any)
• if the financial circumstances of the household would be improved if they accessed the not opted-in supplier
• requiring the client to access an opted-in supplier would cause unreasonable disruption for the household (where a client is already staying with a not opted-in supplier)
  • when deciding if it is an unreasonable disruption, consider if being moved would have adverse impacts or create instability for the client, their partner and dependent children (if any)

Harry has a young child who has Autism Spectrum Disorder. There is an opted-in supplier available that is adequate.

However, there is also a not opted-in supplier that is adequate, fully fenced and has an outdoor play area that would better enable Harry to support their child with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

MSD determines the not opted-in supplier is more appropriate than the opted-in supplier for Harry, their partner and dependent children (if any).

The safer fencing and outdoor playground at the not opted-in supplier will lead to improved outcomes as Harry will be able to better support their child's needs.

The exception applies and an Emergency Housing Grant can be granted for the not opted-in supplier.

Lilly's release conditions require her to report to her probation officer daily.

There is an opted-in supplier available that is adequate to meet Lilly's needs, including that it is a reasonable distance from the probation service as Lilly can use public transport to get there.

Lilly is struggling financially and is getting support from budgeting services.

Lilly has reduced her non-essential costs (as much as she is able to), and the budget service has suggested Lilly reduces her transport costs.

There is a not opted-in supplier available that is a reasonable cost and located much closer to the probation service.

MSD determines that paying for the not opted-in supplier would reduce Lilly's ongoing transport costs, and will mean she has more income to meet her other essential costs.

This will improve the Lilly's financial circumstances.

The exception applies and an Emergency Housing Grant can be granted for the not opted-in emergency housing supplier.

Robert has 2 young children, the family has been staying at an opted-in supplier.

When Robert applied for a further Emergency Housing Grant, the opted-in supplier was no longer available due to upcoming bookings.

There were no other opted-in suppliers available and an Emergency Housing Grant was paid for a not opted-in supplier.

Robert had to make arrangements at short notice for someone to look after the children while a friend helped him move all their belongings to the new emergency housing accommodation.

After staying at the not opted-in supplier for 7 nights an opted-in supplier is now available.

MSD determines that not requiring Robert to access the opted-in supplier would lead to improved overall outcomes because it is unreasonable in Robert’s circumstances for him and his immediate family to move again so soon.

The exception applies and the Emergency Housing Grant can be granted for the not opted-in emergency housing supplier.

Connie is staying at a not opted-in supplier as there were no vacancies at an opted-in supplier.

She has recently lost a close family member and is affected by the bereavement.

Connie is already experiencing mental health distress.

When she applies for a further Emergency Housing Grant, there are now vacancies at an opted-in supplier.

MSD determines that not requiring Connie to access the opted-in supplier would lead to improved overall outcomes because she is currently dealing with a bereavement and moving at this time would adversely impact her.

The exception applies and the Emergency Housing Grant can be granted for the not opted-in emergency housing supplier.

Availability means:

• using suppliers with facilities more suited to a particular housing need when there is low availability

Suitability means:

• using particular suppliers to provide emergency housing more suitable for different households e.g. a particular supplier may be used for families

Staff will be advised when emergency housing availability and suitability needs to be managed.

Example:

Making accommodation with wheelchair access available for households who have this accessibility requirement.

This could include placing those who do not have wheelchair accessibility needs with a different supplier.