Understanding Priority Need for Homelessness Help in England

If you're renting in England and struggling with your housing situation, understanding what counts as 'priority need' can be crucial if you ever face homelessness or need emergency housing. Councils must give extra help to some people, but not everyone qualifies. This guide explains who counts as priority need, what it means, and what steps you might take if you want help from your local council.

What is 'Priority Need' in Homelessness Law?

When you apply for help as homeless to your local council in England, the law checks if you have a 'priority need'. If you do, you are legally entitled to more help, such as emergency accommodation. The main law covering this is the Housing Act 1996, Part 7¹. Councils use this law to make decisions.

Who is Automatically in Priority Need?

• Pregnant women
• Households with dependent children (under 16, or under 19 if in full-time education)
• Young people aged 16-17 not living with family (except certain cases)
• Care leavers aged 18-20 who spent time in care aged 16 or 17
• People made homeless by fire, flood, or other disasters

These groups are always considered to have priority need for housing. The council should provide temporary accommodation while they look into longer-term solutions.

Other Situations That May Count

If you are vulnerable for another reason, the council may still decide you have priority need. Vulnerability could relate to:

• Old age
• Mental or physical health conditions
• Escaping domestic abuse or violence (including threats or risk)
• Being in the armed forces or having left prison recently
• Other special circumstances where being homeless would make you more at risk than an average person

Councils will assess your individual needs and risks. You may need to provide evidence about your circumstances, medical reports, or a support worker’s letter.

If you think you could be in priority need, it is important to apply to your local council as soon as possible and explain all your circumstances clearly.

How Does the Application Process Work?

If you are homeless, or at risk within 56 days, you can ask your local council for help. The council will carry out a homelessness assessment. Here’s how the process usually works:

1. You contact your local council and make a homelessness application – this often starts with an online form or phone call.
2. The council will ask about your situation, family, health, and why you are homeless or at risk.
3. You provide evidence to support your need (such as medical letters, eviction notices, pregnancy proof, etc.).
4. If you have a priority need, the council must offer you temporary accommodation straight away while they explore options.

Relevant Official Forms for Renting and Homelessness in England

• Homelessness Application: There is no standard national paper form. Most councils require you to apply online or by phone. You can search for your council’s contact using the Find your local council tool.
• Proof of Pregnancy or Disability: Your GP can provide a MAT B1 form (pregnancy) or a supporting medical letter. Show these documents when the council asks for evidence.
• Supporting Letters: If you are fleeing violence or are vulnerable due to your health, a letter from a doctor, support worker, or social worker can be valuable. Submit this to your homelessness officer.

If you disagree with the council’s decision, you can request a review using their internal review process. There is no national review form, but each council must explain how to do this in their decision letter.

Who Handles Disputes and Appeals?

If you wish to appeal a final homelessness decision, you can take your case to the County Court. County courts in England handle appeals about homelessness decisions made by councils.

For most renting problems, housing disputes, and appeals, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) is the tribunal dealing with residential tenancies and housing disputes in England.

Summary: When Are You in Priority Need?

To summarise, priority need in England includes pregnant people, families with children, some young people, those made homeless by disaster, and anyone the council finds vulnerable due to age, health, or leaving care/prison/forces. Each case is assessed individually, and supporting evidence is important.

1. Who is considered in priority need for emergency housing in England? Anyone pregnant, with dependent children, aged 16-17 without family, care leavers aged 18-20, people made homeless by disasters, or those considered vulnerable (e.g. due to health, domestic abuse, or age) are usually deemed to be in priority need.
2. How do I apply for help if I think I’m homeless and in need? Contact your local council as soon as possible, ideally using their online service. Explain your situation in detail and provide any evidence requested, such as medical or pregnancy documentation.
3. What kind of evidence do councils usually ask for? Councils may require proof of pregnancy (like a MAT B1 form), medical letters, eviction notices, social worker reports, or police reports if fleeing violence. It’s helpful to gather as much relevant documentation as possible before applying.
4. Can I appeal if the council says I’m not in priority need? Yes. You can ask the council for a review of their decision. If you remain dissatisfied, you can appeal to the County Court. Be aware that there are strict time limits.
5. What official organisations handle housing disputes in England? For most homeless and council housing decisions, contact your local council first. For appeals on official tenancy or eviction disputes, contact the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

Conclusion / Key Takeaways

• If you’re in priority need in England, your council must offer extra support, including emergency accommodation if you qualify.
• Priority need covers pregnant people, families with children, certain young people, and people vulnerable due to health or emergency circumstances.
• Gather evidence and apply as soon as you think you might become homeless.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Apply for homelessness help from your council – official guidance
• Find your local council (England) – for homelessness, housing, and benefits help
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – guides on housing disputes
• Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – housing policy and legal updates
• Government guidance on priority need

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1. Housing Act 1996, Part 7: Homelessness and Priority Need definitions
2. Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities
3. Official government search for your local council
4. First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber): Housing Tribunals

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