Welcome to Denbury Legal

Phone:   01622231622

Email:   info@denburylegal.co.uk

HOMELESSNESS DECISION REVIEW

The Housing Act 1996 grants applicants the right to seek a review of specific homelessness-related decisions made by Local Authorities. However, it is essential that these reviews are decided upon solely by an officer not involved in the original decision-making process.

The Homelessness (Review Procedure etc.) Regulations 2018 stipulate that the reviewing officer must hold a higher position than the one involved in the initial decision-making process. Typically, this responsibility falls on the Housing Options Manager. However, there may be instances where the Manager was involved in the case and the decision-making process through providing support in complex cases. However, the legal intricacies involved in the decision-making process for reviews can be lengthy, adding an additional burden to the already busy Housing Options Manager. Outsourcing therefore becomes a compelling option in such scenarios.

Legislation, such as the Local Authorities (Contracting Out of Allocation of Housing and Homelessness Functions) Order 1996, permits the authority to outsource certain functions, including conducting homelessness decision reviews under Parts 6 and 7 of the 1996 Act. Specialized contractors conduct these reviews on behalf of Local Authorities, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to directly employing staff.

Independent Review

Outsourcing homelessness reviews ensures an entirely independent review process, separate from the original decision-making process. Moreover, a specialized contractor allows for a focused approach, expediting review decisions.

The contractor's specialized knowledge aids in navigating complex housing law and legal provisions promptly, crucial especially when applicants occupy expensive temporary accommodations pending review decisions. By outsourcing, the Council still retains the capability to conduct homelessness reviews but potentially assigns less complex cases to the Housing Options Manager if they were not involved in the original decision.

 

Costs

The costs associated with employing a Reviews Officer do not justify the expense when compared to outsourcing homelessness reviews. Outsourcing therefore demonstrates considerable cost-effectiveness and time saving, given the seniority and independence required for internal reviews.

Denbury Legal specializes in dispute resolution in temporary accommodation, housing and homelessness review matters. We have extensive legal skill and experience in this domain and prioritise timely and compliant case handling.

We offer a cost effective fixed fee pricing policy for S166A & S202 reviews, irrespective of the complexity of a case or the time it takes for us to complete. From experience reviews can take several hours to complete and our aim is to remove the worry from local authorities regarding the costs whilst we make our extensive enquiries and write our detailed decision letters.

From experience some decisions can be borderline in nature. While we possess the expertise to handle these reviews, seeking additional expert opinion at an additional cost is advisable in these instances. Local authorities recognize this as a best practice and endorse this approach. Consequently, we have an arrangement with a highly skilled and experienced panel of barristers who offer their opinions when required. This ensures a high standard of accuracy in the handling of all S166A, S202 & Flexible Tenancies reviews.

Should any ancillary tasks within the domain of housing review become necessary we are available to handle such at competitive rates to be agreed on instruction.