Dear Ms Hussein,

Thank you for your request dated 7 February 2025, asking for information that we hold as follows. I apologise for the delay in response, please see our responses below in blue:

 

  1. What internal policies does Barnet Homes follow when assessing whether a housing relocation is suitable for an elderly applicant with health needs, mobility limitations, or cognitive decline?

The Housing Allocations Scheme and Temporary Accommodation Placements Policy. Both documents are attached

 

  1. How does Barnet Homes determine whether an elderly applicant with health conditions and mobility limitations qualifies for Band 1 priority or exceptional circumstances?

All Banding is carried out in line with the Allocations scheme – details of how applications banded is included in section 4 of the attached Housing Allocation Scheme .

 

  1. How does Barnet Homes assess the risk of cognitive decline when deciding to relocate an elderly resident with a diagnosed memory impairment?

We review all medical information submitted by the Customer and their supporting professionals in line with the Allocation scheme – section 3.4-3.5 contain information on medial decisions.  Working with these professionals to obtain the support required and refer where concerns around capacity arise. The specific assessment of cognitive declines or the risk is a functional of the medical professional.

 

  1. How does Barnet Homes ensure that an elderly resident’s upcoming surgery is not disrupted by relocation?

All Customers are assessed under the current allocation scheme this includes a holistic assessment and a robust suitability assessment. All specific needs and any accommodation requirements will be considered as part of this.

 

  1. If an elderly individual is currently undergoing major surgery or treatment, does Barnet Homes consider relocation to be a safeguarding risk?

All cases are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Appropriate action is taken based on individuals ‘circumstances and in line with the Allocations scheme and Placement Policy.

 

  1. If an elderly individual is due to undergo surgery within four weeks, what legal and ethical guidelines does Barnet Homes follow to determine whether a housing offer should be postponed?
    All cases are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Appropriate action is taken based on individuals ‘circumstances and in line with the Allocations scheme and Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy.

 

  1. How does Barnet Homes ensure compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty (Equality Act 2010) when deciding to relocate an elderly person with a memory condition, considering that dementia and cognitive impairment are protected characteristics under the Act?

All cases are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Appropriate action is taken based on individuals ‘circumstances and in line with the Allocations scheme and Placement Policy.  The Housing Allocation Scheme was developed with regard to the Equality Act 2010 – an Equality Impact Assessment was undertaken when the Allocation Scheme was developed and is attached.

 

  1. What measures does Barnet Homes have in place to prevent Relocation Stress Syndrome, a recognised medical condition that can cause confusion, anxiety, and cognitive deterioration in elderly individuals?

All Customers are holistically assessed and specific needs are captured during the assessment. Individuals circumstances are considered and in line with the Allocations scheme and temporary accommodation Placement Policy.

 

  1. Has Barnet Homes conducted any risk assessments or case studies on the impact of relocation on elderly individuals with memory conditions, major surgeries, or high medical needs in the past three years?

No risk assessments or case studies of this nature of been undertaken in the last three years.

 

  1. How does Barnet Homes internally document and assess the risk of displacement for elderly and vulnerable residents?

This is carried out in line with the Allocations scheme and the temporary accommodation placement policy.

 

  1. How many cases in the past three years have been deemed unsuitable due to carer support breakdown?

This information is not available, we do not record cases where a placement has been deemed unsuitable down due to carer support breakdown

 

  1. If a dependent is moved away from their carer, what safeguards are in place to ensure this does not create an emergency burden on Adult Social Care services?

All Customer needs are assessed in-line with allocation scheme and temporary accommodation placement policy. Suitability requirements are captured during the assessment and acted on accordingly.

 

  1. Has Barnet Homes conducted any internal reviews on the financial impact on Adult Social Care services if an applicant loses access to informal or family carers due to relocation?

No – this would be a matter for Barnet Council. Barnet Homes does not have access to Adult Social Care’s financial data. 

 

  1. What training do Barnet Homes housing officers receive to ensure they properly assess medical, cognitive, and safeguarding risks when offering housing placements?

All Housing Officers undertake a range of key homelessness training. This includes and is not limited to Eligibility, Homelessness Law and suitability training.

 

Advice and Assistance

As the information you have requested in Q13 is not held by Barnet Homes but may be held by Barnet Council, they can be contacted at:

 

Barnet Council

Information Management Team (IMT),

2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, London NW9 4EW

Email: foi@barnet.gov.uk

 

Your Rights

If you are unhappy with the way your request for information has been handled, you can request a review by emailing Talk2Us@barnethomes.org and marking it as an appeal for the attention of the Data Controller. There is no charge for making an appeal.

After this, if you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request or complaint, you have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner:

Kind regards,

Carly Williamson

Complaints and Information Manager