The council must try to find housing in their area.

If they cannot do this, they should try to find somewhere near to where you lived before.

Check the 'out of area' policy

This explains when you might be offered housing in a different council area.

Ask the council for a copy or search for it online.

If you're offered housing in another area

The council must think about:

• how you can get to work

• your children's welfare and education

• if you need to go to specialist medical appointments

• any caring responsibilities or important support networks

If you came to live in the UK in the last 2 years, the council only has to look at your caring responsibilities.

Your work

Tell the council if anyone in your household would have to give up work to move.

Show proof of what your travel time and costs would be with an online journey planner.

Your children's education and welfare

Tell the council if:

• you cannot find school places for your children

• you've already moved home or schools while homeless

• your children have important exams soon, such as GCSEs

• your children have special educational needs and get support in school

Accept the offer even if you want a review

The council could stop helping if you refuse a place or do not stay there.

This applies to temporary accommodation and final offers of longer term housing.

You could ask to delay moving until after the review.