Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
Regulation 12 of the 2011 Regulations prescribes the timescales for the processing of applications by local authorities and provides that, subject to conditions, a local authority shall deal with an application within a period of 12 weeks. Different timescales may apply where the local authority requires additional information from the applicant. Local authorities will prioritise housing needs assessments for those in greatest need and ensure that such applications are dealt with within time-frames that are significantly shorter that the statutory maximum.
A revised Social Housing Support Application Form came into effect from 19 April 2021. The form includes an additional form which an applicant who wants to apply for assessment for priority support based on medical need or disability must complete (HMD-Form 1). The form is for anyone applying for social housing or a social housing transfer due to a disability or medical grounds. The purpose of the HMD1 form is to obtain sufficient information to allow the local authority to assess the nature of the applicant’s circumstances and determine the most suitable housing solution for them. The assessment of applications for social housing support, including determining medical priority, is a matter for individual local authorities.
Decisions on the qualification of households for social housing support, the most appropriate form of such support, and the allocation of that support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned.
Local authorities have long established internal complaints and decision review systems, which may be used to appeal cases. Such arrangements are a matter for the local authority concerned.
The Housing and Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026, includes provisions for a statutory appeals process in respect of decisions relating to the qualification for social housing support. On commencement, the new appeals framework will provide a statutory basis for the review of relevant decisions. My Department is developing detailed guidance for local authorities on the operation of the pending statutory appeals process, including matters relating to notification of decisions, appeal timeframes, administrative procedures and the recording of reasons for decisions.
