At the Accommodation Resource Centre (ARC) you will be interviewed by skilled experienced staff that will carry out a detailed assessment of your situation to decide if you are homeless in terms of the law. They will also give advice and assistance in relation to your housing situation.
For more information on what will happen when you come to your interview see our leaflet,
Your homeless interview (PDF, 343KB)|. This is also available from the Accommodation Resource Centre.
To be entitled to permanent housing, you have to meet the following four conditions, which are set out by law:
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you must be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless within two months
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you must be in priority need
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you must not have become homeless or at risk of becoming homeless intentionally
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you have a local connection within the Falkirk area.
For each of these criteria there are a number of definitions saying what each actually means.
The Scottish Executive’s Code of Guidance on Homelessness| was updated in 2004 and gives guidance to Councils as how to interpret each of these criteria.
How long will the assessment take?
We must let you know, in writing, what our duties are towards you under homeless legislation.
From the date of your application, we aim to assess your situation within 28 days. This may sometimes take longer depending on the circumstances of your homeless application. The Assessment Officer will keep you informed on the progress being made with the assessment of your application.
If you do not agree with the decision that is made about your homeless situation you can ask for the decision to be reviewed. For more information on how to lodge an appeal see our
homeless appeal process leaflet (PDF, 361KB)|