Client successfully rehoused following refusal by local authority

Adele Pinkett

Background to the case

Osbornes Law represented a client who had been found intentionally homeless by his local authority. He was extremely vulnerable and suffered from cancer, avascular necrosis, chronic pain and depression.

The local authority did not accept that his last settled residence was a caravan. Prior to residing in a caravan, he was street homeless following an eviction due to rent arrears. The rent arrears had arisen due to our client losing his job and suffering mental health issues.

Section 202 review requested

A section 202 review of the decision was requested and representations were made to the local authority. Evidence was obtained from the client’s previous landlord, medical professionals and the owner of the land in which the caravan was parked.

During the review, the client was accommodated by the local authority in interim accommodation. The suitability of the interim accommodation was successfully challenged and the client was moved to a more suitable location near his support network.

Assistance was also provided to the client following a referral for an assessment under the Care Act 2014. The client’s interim accommodation was located in a different London borough, whose local authority initially refused to undertake an assessment. Following pre-action correspondence, the second local authority agreed to provide assistance including OT equipment and weekly support.

Client offered a secure tenancy

The first local authority subsequently overturned its decision and accepted the main housing duty. A section 202 review of the temporary accommodation was then requested however quickly became academic as the client was offered a secure tenancy.

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