We represented our client in two successful suitability reviews under s202 of the Housing Act 1996, which resulted in a direct offer of permanent accommodation from a London Borough.
Our client was a disabled mother of three young children living in temporary accommodation provided by her local Council. Our client had complex medical needs and was a wheelchair user. The temporary accommodation did not meet any of her medical needs and it was also very far away from her specialist medical team in the borough. The temporary accommodation was also very far away from her support network and her children’s school.
S202 suitability reviews
We requested a review under s202 of the Housing Act 1996 as to the suitability of the accommodation, which was successful. Unfortunately, the Council subsequently offered another unsuitable temporary accommodation, so a further review pursuant to s202 of the Housing Act 1996 was requested.
Evidence supporting the s202 reviews
We instructed an occupational therapist to assess our client’s needs and the suitability of the accommodation. The occupational therapist found that the temporary accommodation was not suitable for our client or her family. The occupational therapist also identified the detrimental impact living in this accommodation was having on our client’s physical and mental health and the mental health of her family. Recommendations were made about what kind of accommodation would be suitable for our client and her family. We were able to use this report as evidence of our client’s urgent need to be rehoused in adapted accommodation.
Increased housing priority and permanent accommodation
We also assisted our client in obtaining an updated housing needs assessment and increased priority banding on the housing register. Shortly thereafter, the council made our client an offer of permanent social housing. The property was a three-bedroom one-level flat, in borough and close to the client’s support network.
Our client was represented by Solicitor, Claire Wiles in the Housing team.
