Ms Mary Hayes:

Once we assess that someone is in imminent risk of homelessness, we can offer up to 50% discretion in addition to the amount available to them. It is intended to incentivise people who are most at risk, either immanent or in homeless services. We also have a place-finder service which works with landlords trying to bring in properties. Most people who come to us find their own properties. About 70% of the take-up of homeless HAP is in the form of prevention and about 30% is exits from homelessness.