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

When someone applies to the council for help because they are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, the council must look into their situation. This means checking if the person really has nowhere safe or reasonable to live, either now or within the next two months. The council may also look at whether the person became homeless on purpose (for example, by choosing to leave suitable housing), and whether they have a connection to the local area. These checks help the council decide what kind of support or housing the person is entitled to receive.

Legal status

Statutory


Duty category

Housing


Duty type

Public facing


Social determinant of health

Health and social care

Emerging policy and legislation


1

Bodies with shared interest

Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO)

Standards and frameworks


0