Reviews of decisions made under a local authority's allocations policy
Section 166A of the Housing Act 1996 and the 'Allocation of Accommodation: guidance for local housing authorities in England' provide that local authorities must frame an allocations policy that must give reasonable preference to certain groups, outline the procedures to followed when allocating accommodation, and allow customers to request a review if they feel dissatisfied with certain decisions about their application for housing.
Due to the increasing demand for social housing many local authorities have amended their allocations schemes to ensure that those with the most pressing housing needs are selected for an allocation of accommodation.
As the demand for affordable housing looks set to increase further, it is inevitable that higher numbers of applicants will request reviews.
Does your local authority have a number of allocations reviews waiting to be cleared?
I can provide a solution...
I can conduct all aspects of a housing allocations review service including:
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Assessing whether a request for review has been made in time, and if not, whether the reasons given justify accepting the review request
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Issuing 'out of time' review request rejection letters as appropriate
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If the request has been made in time, issuing a review request acknowledgement letter advising the applicant of the review procedure
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Carrying out all inquiries by phone and email
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Obtaining additional evidence i.e. medical reports, information from police and landlords etc
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Notification of the review decision in writing, giving full reasons if a negative decision made, addressing any evidence or arguments put forward by the applicant
It is important to complete an allocations review within the timescale provided in your allocations policy. In cases of unreasonable delay, it increases the chances of formal complaints, involvement of local Councillors and in some cases the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Let me use my expertise to reduce such risks by promptly issuing allocations review decisions and improve the efficiency of your housing service.