Review Procedure Information
Review Procedure The Housing Act 1996, as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002, gives the right to ask for a review if the Council decides not to allow an applicant to join the Housing Register or makes any decision that affects their housing application. To request a review Requests for a review must be made within 21 days of the original notification and should include the applicant’s reasons for believing the decision made was wrong. The council has discretion to extend the time if it considers this would be reasonable. Requests can be made by applicants or their representatives by the following methods: -
- In writing to the Housing Options Service
- By telephone
- In person
How the decision will be reviewed A senior officer, who has not been involved in the original decision, will look at the request for a review. The officer will base his or her decision on the known facts at the time of the review. In some cases, they may need to ask for more information to help them make a decision. The review will be dealt with within eight weeks of the applicant notifying the Council that they wish a review to be carried out and they will be informed, in writing of the decision. The Council has discretion to extend the time if it considers this would be reasonable. If the original decision is upheld, the letter will give reasons supporting the review decision. If the original decision is quashed, the letter will explain the reasons and what action the Council will take in respect of the applicants status and/or priority on the Housing Register. Should an applicant wish to challenge the Senior Officer’s decision, they should follow the complaints procedure, details of which can be found in the Councils leaflet called “Comments, Compliments and Complaints” available from The Stadium, Seasider’s Way, Blackpool FY1 6JY. Tel: 477477, or e-mail
social.services@blackpool.gov.uk An applicant has the right to complain to the Local Government Ombudsman if they feel that they have been unfairly treated as a result of maladministration. An applicant may wish to take their own independent legal advice through a solicitor or the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, which is located at 6 -10 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool (telephone 01253 308400) or from Shelter who can be contacted on their National Housing Helpline (telephone 0808 800 4444)