Challenging and making homelessness decisions
Learn the legal principles the courts use to judge homelessness decisions, and the routes to review and challenge them.
Course summary
The courts judge homelessness decisions under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 against a set of legal principles.
You’ll learn what those principles are, which decisions can be reviewed, and how to conduct and decide a review under section 202.
The course also covers the other routes to challenge a decision, including appeals to the County Court, judicial review and complaints to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Course information
Level: Intermediate and Advanced (Level 4)
Face to face training
- Available for: Individuals, groups
- Duration: One day
- CPD points: 6
Live webinar
- Available for: Individuals, groups
- Duration: Two half day sessions
- CPD points: 6
Individual bookings
| Date | Duration and time | Delivery and location | Cost Eligibility and discounts | Book Booking guidance |
| Wednesday 18 November 2026 | One day 10am – 4:30pm | Face to face, London | £190+VAT | £170+VAT | Book |
| Monday 30 November 2026 – Tuesday 01 December 2026 | Two half day sessions 9:30am – 12:30pm | Webinar | £185 + VAT | £170+VAT | Book |
| Wednesday 27 January 2027 | Two half day sessions 9:30am – 4:30pm | Webinar | £185 + VAT | £170+VAT | Book |
| Thursday 18 February 2027 – Friday 19 February 2027 | Two half day sessions 9:30am – 12:30pm | Webinar | £185 + VAT | £170+VAT | Book |
| Tuesday 09 March 2027 | One day 10am – 4:30pm | Face to face, London | £190+VAT | £170+VAT | Book |
| Tuesday 16 March 2027 – Wednesday 17 March 2027 | Two half day sessions 1:30pm – 4:30pm | Webinar | £185 + VAT | £170+VAT | Book |
| Thursday 20 May 2027 | Two half day sessions 9:30am – 4:30pm | Webinar | £185 + VAT | £170+VAT | Book |
What this course covers
Face to face and webinar training includes:
Routes to challenge a decision
an overview of homelessness duties
decisions subject to review
the review process
making the review decision
accommodation pending review or appeal
judicial review
complaints to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
Reviews and appeals in practice
conducting a review under section 202 Housing Act 1996
the public sector equality duty
local connection reviews
suitability reviews
contracting out reviews
appeals to the County Court
a case study
What you'll learn
At the end of this training, you'll be able to:
advise clients on the right route to challenge each type of decision and on accommodation pending review
draft review requests and review submissions
evaluate case files in public law terms
conduct homelessness investigations and reviews
understand the role of the Ombudsman
Who this training is for
You'll need a good working knowledge of a local authority's duties under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996.
You might be an adviser or solicitor, or make homelessness decisions or reviews for a local authority or one of its contractors.
Continuing Professional Development
Gain points towards your professional development from the CPD Certification Service with Shelter training and events.
