Help if you are homeless or at risk

Get help if you are homeless or at risk and understand what support we can provide.

Review or appeal a homelessness decision

After we have assessed your application, we will decide what housing duty we owe you.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include:

  • advice and assistance to help you stay in your home
  • help to find alternative accommodation
  • temporary accommodation, if you qualify
  • support to secure longer-term housing

We will explain our decision to you in writing.

If you disagree with a decision about your homelessness application, you have the right to ask for a review.

Request a review

You can ask us to review certain decisions about your homelessness application, including:

  • whether you are eligible for help
  • whether you are considered homeless
  • whether you are in priority need
  • whether we have a duty to help you
  • ending of a prevention or relief duty
  • the suitability of accommodation offered
  • your housing plan

You must request a review within 21 days of receiving your decision letter.

This is known as a Section 202 review.

Find detailed guidance in the Section 202 review guidance:

Make a complaint

Make a complaint if you are unhappy with how your case has been handled, rather than the decision itself.

This includes:

  • delays in your case
  • poor communication
  • how you have been treated

Submit a complaint using the council’s complaints process.

If your complaint is not resolved, you can contact the Housing Ombudsman Service.

Legal challenge

In some cases, you may be able to challenge a decision through the courts, usually by judicial review.

You should seek independent legal advice as soon as possible if you are considering this option.

Get independent advice

You can get free and confidential advice from: