Making a Homeless Application- Open Course

Course Description: Making a homelessness application can be complex, and many people facing homelessness struggle to navigate the legal process or challenge incorrect decisions. This CPD-accredited course gives professionals the knowledge and confidence to support clients through the homelessness application process under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996. Through a combination of practical examples, case studies and interactive exercises, participants will learn how homelessness applications work in practice, how local authority duties operate, and how to identify and challenge common issues such as gatekeeping, incorrect priority need assessments and flawed decision-making. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the legal framework, the rights of applicants and the practical steps needed to achieve better outcomes for people at risk of homelessness. Key Learning Objectives This highly interactive course explores the full homelessness application process, including: The legal definition of homelessness and when a homelessness application arises Eligibility and preparing for a homelessness application The statutory duties owed by local authorities, including:Prevention Duty Relief Duty Main Housing Duty Personal Housing Plans and the role of reasonable steps Priority need categories and the vulnerability test Intentional homelessness and mitigating circumstances Local area connection rules and domestic abuse protections Temporary accommodation duties and suitability considerations Challenging unlawful gatekeeping and incorrect decisions Understanding and challenging Section 184 decisions The course includes real-life case studies, quizzes and practical exercises to help participants apply the law in realistic scenarios.