Temporary accommodation - frequently asked questions
The contribution charge is a universal contribution charge for all temporary accommodation residents in hotels and nightly lets.
It covers utilities and in some limited instances, food costs.
For residents not in receipt of Housing Benefit or partial Housing Benefit, this is a contribution towards the cost of the accommodation.
The Council alongside Housing Benefit, if a resident is in receipt, is required to cover the cost of the accommodation.
Utility costs however are the responsibility of the resident. If a resident is in receipt of Universal Credit, this payment is expected to cover the cost for some of the utilities.
The figures have been calculated upon the recommended utility contribution stated by the Department for Work & Pensions. This is standard practice across Local Government and echoes the procedures of other local authorities in Essex.
The charge you need to pay will be dependent on:
- The number of rooms,
- the type of accommodation e.g. bed & breakfast, a hotel, nightly let,
- whether breakfast is included,
- the number of people.
Charges will be clearly explained in the invoice and letter issued to you.
Contribution charges will start from 20th November 2023.
A weekly invoice will be issued. This will always start on a Monday. Invoices will be raised on a Monday to that week.
If you fail to pay the contribution charge, recovery action will be taken, and any debt incurred will be considered as housing-related debt. This may affect your ability to gain a secure tenancy with Basildon Borough Council in the future.
Please be warned failure to pay contribution charges may jeopardise the future provision of accommodation.
If you think you may have any difficulty paying, you may want to consider staying with family and friends in the interim. Alternatively, please speak to your Housing Solutions Officer for any further support or advice.