We understand that some local authorities across Greater Manchester have or will be closing their face to face homelessness assessment services.
This doesn’t mean that people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness cannot make homelessness applications. Applications can be made by phone or by e-mail.
We know that they are under enormous pressure, but local authorities have a statutory duty to provide immediate suitable accommodation for anyone who they have reason to believe may be homeless, eligible for assistance and in priority need (eg because they have children or are vulnerable) and this duty continues until a decision is made about what longer term duties they are owed.
In the current circumstances, homeless people should expect that local authorities will exercise this duty, together with their other powers, to protect their health and that of others wherever possible and get people into accommodation that can meet their needs.
We have advice sheets and a template homelessness application available here. The template is designed to prompt people to answer the questions that the homelessness assessor should ask and to make sure that the local authority have the information they need to make a fair decision about what rights homeless people have to accommodation.
Greater Manchester Law Centre are happy to help anyone who wants to make a homelessness application to any of the Greater Manchester local authorities by e-mail. We can take information over the phone, complete the homelessness application for them and send by e-mail to the homelessness department.
If you would like to refer anyone in this situation, please contact us either by e-mail housing@gmlaw.org.uk or phone 0161 769 2244.
