The Council agreed to revise its housing allocations policy to make clear that it is the applicant who must request a housing needs assessment from the county council. It also agreed to note in the policy that such assessments may be considered when deciding on an applicant's housing priority. It will also correct the policy to make clear a clause around which property it offers to families with three children, only applies to those whose children remain dependents.The Council also agreed to conduct a feasibility study to identify if it can amend the information it publicises about properties available to let through its allocation scheme to include information on the number of living rooms. This will make it easier for applicants affected by a clause of the allocation policy which says larger households have priority for properties with two living rooms. It agreed to write to us and advise if it proposed changing the details it publishes and if so, by when. Or, if it did not propose changing this practice to explain its reasons.

The Council will remind staff that an applicant should not need to specifically ask for a section 202 suitability review. The Council should keep the suitability of interim and temporary accommodation under review. Staff should be proactive when someone complains about the condition of the property or their living conditions, and carry out a formal statutory section 202 suitability review where applicable.The Council will remind staff that applicants must be told about their right to request a statutory suitability review.The Council will share a copy of this decision and our focus report (“Unsuitable temporary accommodation: guide for practitioners” issued May 2023) with staff, and discuss them at a team meeting.