I want to appeal against my homeless decision

On what grounds can I appeal?

If we have turned down your initial request you can challenge our decision if you think it is wrong or that we haven’t fully considered all your circumstances.
 
Examples of the decision you may ask to be reviewed are that we think you are:

• not eligible
• not threatened with homelessness
• not homeless
• not in priority need
• intentionally homeless

You must make a request for a review within 21 days of the date of your decision letter.

You can let us know:

• in writing, addressed to the Housing Needs Manager (see contact details below)
• verbally to any member of the Homeless Team
• email us using the details below

We will send you a letter confirming that we know about your request together with a review form.

If you do not wish or are unable to complete the review form, then we can make an appointment for you to be interviewed within 10 working days. Another person can do this on your behalf eg solicitor, Citizen's Advice Bureau or family/friend.

We will then invite you to attend an Appeals Panel meeting when your appeal will be considered. We will send you everything you need to know about this meeting beforehand. You can ask another person to attend the Appeals Panel with you or to present your case on your behalf. You must let us know if this is what you plan to do.
 
You can supply additional information at the Appeals Panel hearing. The law says we have to let you know the outcome of a review within 56 days, but we will try and deal with your review more quickly.
 
The Appeals Panel is made up of elected members of the Council (councillors) who are not involved in the original decision making process. There are usually three Panel members and in every case the Council's solicitor will be present to advise the members.

The Appeals Panel's Responsibilities
The Appeals Panel has the duty to consider the original decision. It must consider all the facts of your case but it cannot make a decision to accept or refuse a full housing duty towards you.

The Appeals Panel is there to ensure your right to a fair hearing is protected. The Panel must notify you of their decision in writing giving you a full explanation of the reasons for their decision.

County Court Appeal
If you aren’t happy with the outcome of your review, or if we have failed to notify you within the agreed timescales, you have the right to appeal to the County Court on a point of law arising from the review decision.

If you wish to pursue this option, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Any appeal to the County Court must be made within 21 days of being notified of the decision of the review.

For help and advice concerning your appeal you can contact your solicitor, Luton Law Centre on 01582 45 20 00, or Citizen's Advice Bureau on 01582 73 16 16.