DISCLAIMER:

This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.

Simple terms explainer

If someone disagrees with a decision made by the council about their homelessness application, they have the legal right to ask for a review within 21 days. The council must then assign a senior officer—someone more senior than the original decision-maker and not involved in the first decision—to carry out the review. This officer will look again at important issues like whether the person is homeless, if they became homeless intentionally, whether the advice given was appropriate, if the right council is handling the case, and whether the accommodation offered was suitable. The outcome of the review must be given in writing, clearly explaining the reasons behind the decision.

Legal status

Statutory


Duty category

Housing


Duty type

Compliance


Social determinant of health

Social and community context

Emerging policy and legislation


1

Bodies with shared interest

Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO)

Standards and frameworks


1