What to do after a homelessness decision

After we've assessed your homelessness application, you will receive a letter explaining the decision we have made and why. We've explained some of the decisions and what you can do next below.
 

If we decide you are not homeless

If we decide that you are not homeless or threatened with homelessness, according to the legal definition, it is because we believe you have accommodation available to you that is suitable for your needs and reasonable for you to occupy. We will do everything we can to try and stop you becoming homeless. We will tell you what you can do to protect your rights to stay in your home and can provide housing options advice if you still wish to move in a planned way.

If we accept that you are homeless and in priority need

The council has a duty to help anyone who is eligible, in priority need and not intentionally homeless, to find suitable accommodation. Unfortunately, social and affordable housing tenancies can only be offered to people who qualify for the Housing Register. The waiting time for this type of tenancy can be years.

In the meantime, the council will make you an offer of temporary accommodation. This could be our own, private rented accommodation or in bed and breakfast or hostel. In the longer term, the council will look into your options for private rented accommodation (most likely) or social or affordable housing.

If you are homeless but we do not consider you as in priority need

We will offer you advice on your housing options. This could include options in the private rented sector, how to access supported accommodation in local hostels, applying to the Housing Register and information on mutual exchanges (if appropriate).

If we decide you are not eligible for assistance

The government has decided that some asylum seekers, some people who are subject to immigration control and people who are not usually resident in the United Kingdom are not eligible for housing accommodation or assistance. This means that we cannot do anything for you under homelessness legislation, even if you are homeless and have children. We may be able to refer you to agencies that can offer other forms of assistance.

If we decide that you are intentionally homeless

If you are homeless through your own fault, we have no duty to find you accommodation.

We will offer you advice on your housing options. This could include options in the private rented sector, how to access supported accommodation in local hostels and applying to the Housing Register. The responsibility to find alternative accommodation will rest with you.

If you disagree with the council's decision

If you disagree with our decision, you can ask us to review it. You will be given information about this when we make a decision on your application. You have 21 days from the date of our decision to appeal. You don't have to provide reasons, but you should if possible so that we have full information. By law, we must review our decision within eight weeks of your request.

If you think our reviewed decision is wrong, you can appeal to the county court, on a point of law, within 21 days. The court has the power to change our decision if it is legally wrong.

We do not have a duty to provide you with accommodation while we carry out your review.

Any requests made will be considered but many will not be successful.