Freedom of information response
Bedroom Sizes
1) Please provide any document or guidance held by the housing department with information relating to prescribing or recommending what the minimum size a room classed as a bedroom should be in respect of private rented properties.
2) Please provide your minimum floor measurements for what can be classed as a bedroom in one of your council owned homes (social housing)
3) In relation to Children's Social Care and social workers, please provide any guidance documents or similarly named such as social work tools containing information that is relevant to assessing whether the size of a child's bedroom is suitable.
Please note, I am already aware a child aged under 18 but aged above 10 should not share a bedroom. The focus of Point 3) is of a single child and a social worker assessing the suitability of the size of the bedroom in the context of whether the size is adequate to promote the child's wellbeing.
4) Children’s bedrooms should be pleasantly furnished, equipped and decorated in a manner appropriate to their individual needs, interests and choices. Please provide your policy/guidance in relation to this area
5) How many children are currently on i) Child Protection Plans and ii) CiN plans due to one of the concerns identified being inadequate bedroom size?
1) Please provide any document or guidance held by the housing department with information relating to prescribing or recommending what the minimum size a room classed as a bedroom should be in respect of private rented properties. -We use the standards as set out in the The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Mandatory Conditions of Licences) (England) Regulations 2018 And Essex Amenity Standards https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/sites/default/files/assets/documents/hmo-amenity-standard-v07.pdf
6.51 sqm for one person over 10 years of age
10.22 sqm for two persons over 10 years
The LACORS guidance which is attached provides worked examples of bedroom size and suitability for level of sleeping provision irrespective of age.
2) Please provide your minimum floor measurements for what can be classed as a bedroom in one of your council owned homes (social housing) We abide by the space guidance as outlined in section 326 Housing Act 1985.
3) In relation to Children's Social Care and social workers, please provide any guidance documents or similarly named such as social work tools containing information that is relevant to assessing whether the size of a child's bedroom is suitable. - We do not have an assessment tool for bedroom sizes and the appropriateness of decoration and furniture.
Please note, I am already aware a child aged under 18 but aged above 10 should not share a bedroom. The focus of Point 3) is of a single child and a social worker assessing the suitability of the size of the bedroom in the context of whether the size is adequate to promote the child's wellbeing.
4) Children’s bedrooms should be pleasantly furnished, equipped and decorated in a manner appropriate to their individual needs, interests and choices. Please provide your policy/guidance in relation to this area - We do not have an assessment tool for bedroom sizes and the appropriateness of decoration and furniture.
5) How many children are currently on i) Child Protection Plans and ii) CiN plans due to one of the concerns identified being inadequate bedroom size? The size of a bedroom would not be a reason for a child being on a plan