Final Homeless Decisions

If we have tried to help you through the homeless prevention and relief stages but you are still homeless, we must make a final decision on your case. This is sometimes called issuing a statutory homeless decision. The help you are offered will depend on the decision that is made. 

Eligible, unintentionally homeless and in priority need (main housing duty)

This is commonly known as the main housing duty as by making this decision, we will have a duty to find you a permanent home. If we have already provided you with temporary accommodation, you can stay there until we find you a suitable home. If we have not already provided you with temporary accommodation, we will provide it if needed. We will not owe you the main housing duty if you have refused a suitable offer of accommodation that was made to you when you were owed the homeless relief duty or we ended the relief duty because of your refusal to co-operate with us. 

If you wish to live in a different local authority area because you have a local connection there, we can refer your case to that Council and ask them to house you on our behalf. The other Council does not have to accept the referral. If it is not accepted, we can only offer you accommodation in West Lancashire.

Eligible, in priority need but intentionally homeless 

We will not have a duty to find you a permanent home. If needed, we will provide you with accommodation for a reasonable period of time while you look for suitable accommodation. We will also give you advice to help you find your own accommodation.

Eligible, homeless but not in priority need

We will not have a duty to find you a permanent home. You will be offered advice and assistance to help you find your own accommodation. 

Eligible but not homeless 

If we find that you are not homeless, no further assistance will be offered. 

Not eligible

If we find that you are no longer eligible for assistance, we will refer you to other agencies that may be able to help you. We will not be able to offer you a home.

Reviews

If you do not agree with any decision we make then you are entitled to ask for it to be reviewed. You can also ask for a review of any offer of accommodation that has been made if you think it is unsuitable, even if you have accepted it.
 
All requests for a review must be in writing and must clearly tell us why you think the decision is wrong or the offer was unsuitable. You have 21 days from the day you receive your decision letter to request a review.

County court appeals 

If you are not happy with the review decision, you have the right to appeal to the county court. You have 21 days from the day you receive the review decision letter to lodge an appeal. You may need the help of a solicitor or an advice agency such as Shelter to help you do this.