GT Stewart have been successful in ensuring a vulnerable client, who was homeless on her release from prison, was owed a full rehousing duty by Peterborough City Council.

Our client is a survivor of rape and domestic abuse, and suffers with poor mental health. She and her child applied as homeless to Peterborough City Council after leaving prison. She was found to be intentionally homeless due to losing her tenancy as the result of committing a crime, and therefore not entitled to a long-term duty by the Council. However, her parents had told her landlord they were able to pay her rent for the duration of her time in prison and the landlord had not accepted this. We assisted our client to request a review of the Council’s decision, but they did not change it.

We instructed a barrister who prepared grounds to appeal the review decision, and we made detailed representations to the Council. Before the appeal hearing took place the Council withdrew their review decision and issued a new decision that our client was owed the main housing duty under s193 of the Housing Act 1996. She was given the highest priority band on the housing register, which was backdated for six months. Shortly after this, she was then offered suitable permanent accommodation by Peterborough City Council. She will now be able to settle with her child and begin to build her life again.

Our client said:

"David was a great help in my case, he made me feel at ease and updated me at every opportunity. The service David offers is very professional and he drives a good argument as he is very thorough when looking into your case. I cannot recommend him enough, I can now move on with mine and my daughter’s life knowing we have a secure home. I will forever be grateful."