Skip to main content
Shelter Logo
England

Priority need and vulnerability

Learn how a local authority assesses a homeless applicant's vulnerability when deciding if they are in priority need.

Course summary

This interactive course covers how a local authority considers if a person is in priority need under a homelessness application.

You'll explore when someone is automatically in priority need or is in priority need due to vulnerability, and how priority need is assessed.

Course information

Level: Intermediate and Advanced (Level 4)

Live webinar

  • Available for: Groups
  • Duration: Two and a half hours

Group bookings

You can book this course for groups.

Contact us about group bookings

What this course covers

This online training includes:

  • who has automatic priority need

  • who has priority need due to vulnerability

  • the role of medical evidence and a local authority medical assessment

  • how an authority should apply case law and the Homelessness Code of Guidance

  • when decisions about priority need can be challenged

What you'll learn

At the end of this training, you'll be able to:

  • identify when someone has automatic priority need

  • assess whether someone might have priority need due to vulnerability

  • identify when and how priority need decisions can be challenged

Who this training is for

You'll have a good understanding of the homelessness legislation under part 7 of the Housing Act 1996.

You might work for a local authority in housing or homelessness, or as an adviser.

Continuing Professional Development

Gain points towards your professional development from the CPD Certification Service with Shelter training and events.