Homelessness Reviews & Appeals

Find out how to ask the council to review your homelessness application, if you are not happy with its decision.

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/housing

If you don’t agree with our decision on your homelessness application, you can request a review.

What is a review? A review is a way to ask the council to reconsider its decision about your homelessness application.

How do I ask for a review? If you want a review, you need to write to us within 21 days of the council’s decision - this will be the date on your decision notice letter. We still consider requests made after 21 days, but we’re not obliged to accept them. All requests for reviews must be in writing, and sent to: Housing Services Manager Housing Services District Council House Frog Lane Lichfield Staffordshire WS13 6ZE

What happens next? The review is carried out by a panel of officers who were not involved in the original decision, and who are senior to the officer who made the decision. Before the review hearing, we will send you a form asking you to state the reasons why you are asking for a review. We will then write to you to let you know the date of the hearing. Although you are not required to attend the hearing, you may decide to give new evidence in person. You can also ask someone to represent you at the hearing - such as a solicitor. However, if you do not want to add any new information, the review will be based on the available information.

This leaflet is a brief overview. To find out more, please contact our housing options team

Telephone 01543 308000 Or write to us at the address overleaf

Review decision We must review all cases within eight weeks. After the hearing, we will write to you with our decision, explaining the reasons why we have made it.

Accommodation during the review If you are worried about being homeless while we’re carrying out the review, please contact our housing options team, as we may be able to help you find a temporary home. If we do not think you qualify for temporary accommodation, pending a review, you can challenge this decision through the county court.

How do I appeal against the decision? If you do not agree with the decision, following the hearing, you might be able to appeal to the county court or the housing ombudsman. You may also be able to get accommodation from the council until the appeal is completed. If you need any help and advice with your appeal, a good place to start is the citizens advice bureaux. Lichfield Citizens Advice Bureau 29 Levetts Fields Lichfield WS13 6HY

Burntwood Citizens Advice Bureau Wade House Cannock Road Burntwood WS7 8JS CAB Staffordshire Adviceline 08444 111 444 Lines open from Mon to Fri 9.30am to 4.30pm

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www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/housing

Contact us Ask for the housing options team Telephone: 01543 308000, Monday to Friday, from 9.30am to 12 noon and 2pm to 5pm. Email: housing@lichfielddc.gov.uk Address: Housing Services District Council House Frog Lane Lichfield Staffordshire WS13 6ZE

If you need this leaflet in another format, such as large print, please call Lichfield District Council on 01543 308000 and ask to speak to housing services or email housing@lichfielddc.gov.uk

Leaflets in the You and Your Home series:

• Housing Services

• Housing Options & Advice

• Private Rented Accommodation

• Homelessness

• Homelessness Reviews &

Appeals

• Improve & Adapt Your Home

• Information on Support Services

in Lichfield District

Issue number: 1