What does Local authority hostel mean?

Glossary

Local authority hostel

In one sentence

Category 4 specified accommodation: a non-self-contained hostel run by a council where residents receive care, support or supervision.

The hostel must be owned or managed by the local authority, not be self-contained or a care home, provide board or food preparation facilities, and the resident must receive more than minimal care, support or supervision.

Read the full guideThe four categories of specified accommodation

Specified accommodationThe four types of supported housing where rent is paid through Housing Benefit, even for people on Universal Credit.Emergency accommodationA place to stay at short notice, often arranged by a council under its interim homelessness duty.

Where it comes up

What is exempt accommodation?Exempt accommodation is supported housing where the landlord is a housing association, registered charity, voluntary organisation or non-metropolitan county council, and that landlord, or someone acting for it, gives the resident more than minimal care, support or supervision. Housing Benefit pays the rent, and the usual local rent caps do not apply.

Local authority hostel

Related terms

Where it comes up