Challenging and making homelessness decisions
Learn how to make informed homelessness application decisions, including the statutory process, case law, and how to challenge decisions.
Course summary
This course covers the legal principles against which homeless decisions under the Housing Act 1996 are judged by the court. There will be a focus on inquiries and dealing with medical evidence and duties to prevent and relieve homelessness under the Homelessness Reduction Act.
This training examines how recent caselaw has impacted aspects of homelessness law and how other areas of law, such as the Equality Act, impact homelessness decision making.
You’ll learn the basics of judicial review and gain a better understanding of the review process, including how it should be conducted.
Attending will help decision makers fulfil their legal obligations to applicants by applying and following the guidance set by the courts and help others to consider how best to deal with and challenge decisions.
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 15 January 2025 – Thursday 16 January 2025 | Two half day sessions 9:30am – 12:30pm | Webinar | £175+VAT | £160+VAT | Book |
| Tuesday 04 March 2025 – Wednesday 05 March 2025 | Two half day sessions 1:30pm – 4:30pm | Webinar | £175+VAT | £160+VAT | Book |
| Tuesday 18 March 2025 | One day 10am – 4:30pm | Face to face, London | £190+VAT | £170+VAT | Book |
| Wednesday 23 April 2025 – Thursday 24 April 2025 | Two half day sessions 9:30am – 12:30pm | Webinar | £175+VAT | £160+VAT | Book |
| Tuesday 03 June 2025 | Two half day sessions 9:30am – 4:30pm | Webinar | £175+VAT | £160+VAT | Book |
What this course covers
Face to face and webinar training includes:
The statutory review process
summary of key statutory provisions
which decisions are subject to statutory review under s.202 of the Housing Act 1996, and which are subject to judicial review
principles, scope and procedure of the review process
writing the review decision
dealing with medical evidence and public sector equality duty issues
contracting out the review
Related procedures
principles and practice of judicial review, with a focus on urgency
the definition of gatekeeping
appeals to the county court under s.204 of the Housing Act 1996
accommodation pending review
Face to face training
Face to face training covers additional topics, including:
administrative decision-making
common problems and tactics
temporary accommodation pending review and appeal
What you'll learn
At the end of this training, you'll be able to:
identify which decisions are subject to statutory appeal or judicial review
advise clients which procedure for challenge is applicable to different decisions
draft review requests and review submissions
consider how to handle evidence and inquiries to make
conduct homelessness investigations and reviews with more confidence
Face to face training
If you attend this face to face training, you'll also be able to:
evaluate homelessness case files in public law terms
conduct homelessness investigations and reviews with more confidence
advise on issues such as temporary accommodation pending review
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, solicitor or work for a local authority as a homelessness decision maker or reviewing officer. You might be an external contractor assisting with local authority homelessness functions.
Continuing Professional Development
Gain points towards your professional development from the CPD Certification Service with Shelter training and events.
