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Request a Homeless Application Review

If you are not happy with the outcome of our decision, you can request a review


Decisions we can review

We can review the following decisions:

  • your eligibility for help from us
  • any duties we owe to you
  • the steps we've taken at the prevention and relief stages in your personalised housing plan
  • the end of your prevention and relief duties, including the suitability of the housing we offer when these duties end
  • that we've denied help to you because you've refused to co-operate with us
  • to refer your case to another authority
  • the suitability of temporary, socially rented or private rented housing offered to you when we owe you a main duty

Requesting a review decision

Your decision letter will clearly say if you have a right to review the decision.

You must request the review within 21 days of receiving your decision letter. We will only accept reviews after this time in special circumstances.


How long it takes to get a review decision

The time it will take for giving a review decision depends on the decision being reviewed.

You will be sent a confirmation letter or email once you've submitted a request to review. This will give the timescale by which you should receive your review decision.

Sometimes we will need more time to review the decision than the time stated on the confirmation letter or email. If this happens, an extension will be agreed with you by the reviewing officer.

If you have not received a review decision on time and an extension has not been agreed with you, contact your original caseworker.


Possible outcomes of a review decision

The possible outcomes of a review decision are to:

  • uphold the original decision; or
  • overturn the original decision to a full duty; or
  • overturn the original decision to one of the other possible outcomes

Appealing the review decision

If you believe that the review decision is wrong, you have the right to appeal to the County Court. Shelter England offers helpful advice on how to do this. 

You must do this within 21 days of getting the decision. We recommend that you seek legal advice to do this.


Getting temporary housing during a review

If we think you have a priority need, we may provide you with temporary housing whilst you are waiting for your review decision. If you need temporary housing, ask for it at the same time you request your review.

If we think you have a priority need and you want to appeal your review decision through the County Court, we may provide you with temporary housing. Tell us if you need temporary housing whilst you are waiting for an appeal decision from the County Court.

We can decide whether to give you temporary housing when you are seeking a review decision or County Court appeal.

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