The council's decision

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland

There are special rules that the council must follow once it has made a decision about your homelessness application.

When will I get the decision?

After making its enquiries, the council has to inform you in writing of the decision it has made. The decision letter (sometimes known as the notification letter) has to be sent to you or made available for you to collect from the council offices.

The decision letter must say:

  • what decision the council made
  • the reasons why the council made that decision
  • that you have the right to request a review of the decision within 21 days and how you can do so.

You can use our emergency housing rights checker to find out whether you are likely to be able to overturn the decision.

If you haven't received a decision letter yet, the council may still be investigating your situation. If you are told verbally of the council's decision, ask the person you speak with to confirm it in writing and get advice. An adviser can check the reasons why the council made the decision and help you to request a review within the time limit. Use our directory to find a local advice centre.

Can the decision be challenged?

Whether and how you can challenge the council's decision depends on what the decision is and why you think it is wrong. There are four ways in which the council can be challenged.

Review

Most decisions that the council makes about homelessness applications can be challenged by requesting a review.

County court appeal

If the review is not successful, it is often possible to appeal to the county court. You must start your appeal within 21 days of the date you are informed of the review decision.

Judicial review

It may be possible to challenge the way the council made its decision, rather than the decisions itself. Judicial review is complicated and you will probably need help from a solicitor or a specialist adviser.

Ombudsman complaints

The local government ombudsman can investigate complaints about how the council has dealt with your homelessness application. In particular, it may be worth complaining to the ombudsman if there have been long delays or you believe the council has discriminated against you. If the ombudsman finds the council did something wrong it can recommend that you be given compensation.

How can an adviser help?

If you have applied to the council for help because you are homeless and the council has made a decision that you don't agree with, get advice immediately. An adviser can look into:

Use our directory to find an adviser in your area.

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