This case is from 2016 and therefore predates the introduction of Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. It was however held that the council had failed to adequately assess the applicant’s housing needs before just giving her a standard housing advice booklet.
The Applicant was found not to but in priority need and her temporary accommodation was set to be terminated. She requested a review of that decision and issued Judicial Review proceedings in relation to the failure to provide her with temporary accommodation.
It was held that the council had failed to adequately assess the applicant’s needs for the purposes of Section 192 of Housing Act 1996 and as such could be ordered to house her pursuant to the power to do so under that Section.
It was held that the council had failed to assess the “nuts and bolts” of this applicant’s housing needs. This is a useful term which was adopted by the Court in the later Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 case of R (ZK) v Havering LBC 2022 in 2022.
Connor Johnson - Requirements of A Lawful Housing Needs Assessment - Garden Court Chambers