Homelessness is a traumatic and terrifying experience. Where a local authority has refused to help, made a wrong decision or provided unsuitable accommodation, our expert solicitors are here to help you challenge these failures and secure the outcome you deserve.
Common council failures in housing applications and how to challenge them
Local authorities have a legal duty to help individuals in need of housing, particularly vulnerable populations. However, they don’t always fulfil this obligation as they should. Here are some of the common ways councils fail in their duties:
Failure to respond to homelessness application
When someone tells the local authority that they are homeless or facing homelessness, the local authority has a duty to consider that application and what duties the authority may have to them.
Ignoring or inadequately responding to homelessness applications not only fails to address the urgency of the situation but also undermines the individual’s legal right to support.
Lack of temporary accommodation
If someone is apparently homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness, likely to be in priority need and eligible for assistance the council is required to provide temporary accommodation until it has investigated the application.
Despite this obligation, local authorities frequently fall short by not offering any temporary housing, forcing vulnerable individuals and families into unsafe, unstable living conditions.
Unsuitable housing offers
When local authorities do offer accommodation, they are required to ensure that it is suitable for the individual’s needs. This is especially important for those with disabilities, health issues, or specific family requirements.
Unfortunately, many local authorities offer housing that is far from suitable, such as properties that are inaccessible for people with mobility issues, or housing located too far from necessary support services.
In such cases, the council’s failure to provide appropriate accommodation can significantly affect the well-being and quality of life of the individual or family involved.
Making the wrong decision
A local authority has to decide whether someone is homeless, not intentionally homeless, in ‘priority need’, and eligible for assistance, in order to decide whether the local authority has the full duty to house the person and their household.
Often, the local authority gets these decisions wrong either on the facts, or on their legal requirements, finding that it doesn’t have the full duty.
Words from our clients
“Nikki’s help has been life-saving, without it, my husband and I would have been homeless and swindled out of our remaining funds and dignity. Nikki’s patience and dedication resulted in a successful settlement and made the worse experience of our lives more humane. I thoroughly recommend her services. Thank you so much Nikki.”
Housing & Property Disputes Client
“I would like to start of by saying a massive thank you to Eleanor Solomon on behalf of Anthony Gold for being such a great support system in the process of my housing situation, without them I wouldn’t have been able to get this far! they are a very friendly team that will go above and beyond to help. I recommend this company, thanks for your help.”
Housing & Property Disputes Client
I faced hardships, stress, my health was effected due to awful conditions and the lacking responsibility, correspondence from the housing. The organisation and Nikki with her team managed me in a professional way, with kindness, respect to my awful situation and showed patience and understanding during my many enquiries and stress. Many thanks for your excellent work on my behalf.
Housing & Property Disputes Client
Our legal assistance in homelessness issues
At Anthony Gold Solicitors, we specialise in supporting individuals and families who have been let down by their local authority in homelessness cases. Our solicitors have years of experience dealing with complex housing issues and are recognised experts in challenging local authority decisions.
We understand the frustration, fear, and uncertainty that come with homelesness problems, especially when you feel like your voice isn’t being heard. That’s where we come in.
Here’s how we can help:
Expert advocacy for vulnerable populations
We know that certain groups are more likely to be affected by council failures in housing—particularly older people, individuals with disabilities, and vulnerable families. These groups often have specific needs that councils must consider, such as accessible housing or proximity to healthcare and support services.
Our team is well-versed in advocating for vulnerable individuals and ensuring councils meet their legal obligations. Whether it’s securing appropriate housing for someone with a disability or ensuring a family receives temporary accommodation, we fight to protect the rights of those most at risk.
Challenging unlawful council decisions
Many people who approach us have been left in difficult situations because their council has failed to follow the law. This could be due to errors in homelessness decisions, refusal to provide temporary accommodation, or offering accommodation that isn’t suitable for your needs.
We use our in-depth legal knowledge to challenge these decisions and hold councils accountable for their failings. Whether through negotiation or legal action, we will fight to get the support you’re entitled to.
Contact us
If you’re at risk of homelessness, our dedicated housing and property law solicitors can provide the legal support you need. Whether you’re dealing with an eviction, repossession, or facing challenges in securing accommodation, we can help protect your rights and explore your options. Get in touch with us on 020 7940 4060 or email mail@anthonygold.co.uk, and our team will be ready to assist you.
What can I do if the council is taking too long to process my housing application?
What are my rights if the council fails to provide temporary accommodation?
Can I challenge the council if they’ve offered me unsuitable housing due to my disability?
How long does the council have to respond to my housing request?
What should I do if the council ignores my housing application altogether?
What can I do if the council is taking too long to process my housing application?
If the council is delaying the processing of your housing application, you have the right to challenge their inaction. Councils are required to process applications within a reasonable time, especially for those at risk of homelessness. You can request an explanation for the delay and, if necessary, seek legal advice to hold the council accountable and push for a quicker resolution.
What are my rights if the council fails to provide temporary accommodation?
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, the council has a legal duty to provide you with temporary accommodation while your housing application is being processed. If they fail to do so, this is a breach of their legal obligations. You can challenge this failure by contacting a solicitor who specialises in housing law to ensure the council provides the emergency support you need.
Can I challenge the council if they’ve offered me unsuitable housing due to my disability?
Yes, you can challenge the council if the housing offered does not meet your needs due to a disability or specific health issues. The council is obligated to offer accommodation that is suitable for your particular circumstances, including accessibility requirements. If the housing provided isn’t appropriate, you can seek legal assistance to challenge the offer and secure accommodation that better suits your needs.
How long does the council have to respond to my housing request?
While there isn’t a strict timeframe, councils are expected to respond to housing requests as quickly as possible, particularly in cases where the applicant is at risk of homelessness. Unreasonable delays may be challenged, and you can request legal advice if the council is failing to respond within a reasonable period.
What should I do if the council ignores my housing application altogether?
If the council is ignoring your housing application, it is important to take action. You can contact the council directly to request an update or escalate the matter. If they continue to ignore your application, legal action may be necessary to compel them to process your case. A solicitor experienced in housing law can guide you through this process and ensure your application is properly addressed.
What can I do if the council is taking too long to process my housing application?
If the council is delaying the processing of your housing application, you have the right to challenge their inaction. Councils are required to process applications within a reasonable time, especially for those at risk of homelessness. You can request an explanation for the delay and, if necessary, seek legal advice to hold the council accountable and push for a quicker resolution.
What are my rights if the council fails to provide temporary accommodation?
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, the council has a legal duty to provide you with temporary accommodation while your housing application is being processed. If they fail to do so, this is a breach of their legal obligations. You can challenge this failure by contacting a solicitor who specialises in housing law to ensure the council provides the emergency support you need.
Can I challenge the council if they’ve offered me unsuitable housing due to my disability?
Yes, you can challenge the council if the housing offered does not meet your needs due to a disability or specific health issues. The council is obligated to offer accommodation that is suitable for your particular circumstances, including accessibility requirements. If the housing provided isn’t appropriate, you can seek legal assistance to challenge the offer and secure accommodation that better suits your needs.
How long does the council have to respond to my housing request?
While there isn’t a strict timeframe, councils are expected to respond to housing requests as quickly as possible, particularly in cases where the applicant is at risk of homelessness. Unreasonable delays may be challenged, and you can request legal advice if the council is failing to respond within a reasonable period.
What should I do if the council ignores my housing application altogether?
If the council is ignoring your housing application, it is important to take action. You can contact the council directly to request an update or escalate the matter. If they continue to ignore your application, legal action may be necessary to compel them to process your case. A solicitor experienced in housing law can guide you through this process and ensure your application is properly addressed.