Discretionary Housing Payment Policy

Length of award

The Council will decide the duration of all DHP awards and in any case the maximum period of time for which an award can be made under this policy is 52 weeks.

DHP awards in most cases should be seen as a short-term emergency solution. Applicants must consider this and seek advice with regard to their housing needs and ways to manage financially in the long term.

Customers will be advised of the temporary nature of the award upon application and signposted wherever possible to sources of further assistance.