Frequently Asked Questions (these have been developed from enquires received by Gosport Borough Council):
What are the council doing to support the street homeless?
Two Saints Outreach Team and Gosport Borough Council Officer’s carry out health and wellbeing checks for individuals. They advise them of the support that is available however not all choose to take up this support.
Housing Drop In service is available at Gosport Town Hall from 09:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday.
If an individual presents to Housing Drop In and is established to have a priority need the applicant can be placed in emergency accommodation.
There are various funds to help relieve homelessness that Housing can use including the Rough Sleepers Grant, which is a grant not a loan, to enable singles/couples that are homeless but not in priority need to secure a room to rent in the private sector.
Why are the street homeless allowed to occupy doorways along the High Street?
If an individual is on Gosport Borough Council land an application to Court for an order to remove them may be sought. If a rough sleeper is on private land the Council and Police have no powers to move a person on. The Council will however make contact with the relevant land owner to request support in moving individuals on in the hope that they may engage with services.
Can the Council remove individuals possessions if they have spilled onto the High Street?
No, the High Street is owned by Hampshire County Council Highway Authority. Hampshire County Council may take action if access along the High Street is being obstructed.
What powers are in place to stop begging?
A Borough of Gosport and Town Centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is in force. Individuals must, if required by an authorised Gosport Borough Council Officer, Police Community Support Officer or Police Officer, cease engaging in the following activities:
- Anti-Social Behaviour linked to alcohol and drug use
- Anti-Social Behaviour linked to urinating or defecating
- Anti-Social Behaviour linked to begging
- Anti-Social Behaviour linked to blocked entrances/exits
They may also be asked to hand over alcohol, alcohol containers, drugs or drug paraphernalia and disperse from a public place and not return there for up to 24 hours.
It is a criminal offence to fail, without reasonable excuse, to comply with any of the PSPO restrictions within the restricted area. The maximum fine on conviction is £1,000.
To report breaches of the PSPO please call 101.
How do street homeless individuals obtain money if they are not allowed to beg?
Individuals that find themselves street homeless are able to access benefits. Relevant support services can assist with organising this.
How much does it cost to stay at the hostel?
The cost for accommodation at the hostel is £46.17 per day from Housing Benefit and a top up of £5.56 from the client which is paid from individuals benefits. This cost covers their stay at the hostel, food, toiletries, heating and clothes. Support is available on site 24 hours a day and all clients are allocated a support worker for the duration of any stay.
How many beds are there at the hostel?
The hostel is a 20 bed direct access hostel with shared facilities and full-board catered service. During November to March there is a winter bed provision which is funded by Gosport and Fareham Borough Councils and there are emergency beds available all year round.
Does the hostel accept dogs?
Yes, the Two Saints hostel is able to accommodate dogs.