FI16991
Request
- If a person has been offered housing accommodation by the Council in writing and the person offered it views it and accepts the offer under what circumstances, if any, can the Council then withdraw the offer made?
- If an offer can be withdrawn is there a right of appeal against this decision?
- Before any offer made is withdrawn would the Council consult with the person concerned?
- If an offer of accommodation is withdrawn are the full reasons for its withdrawal made known to the person concerned in writing?
Response
In certain circumstances an offer of accommodation may be withdrawn after it has been accepted. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
- Information coming to light which affects the applicant’s eligibility or priority;
- material changes in the applicant’s circumstances;
- the accommodation becoming unavailable for reasons outside the Council’s control;
- technical, administrative or factual errors relating to the property on offer; or
- safeguarding, legal, or operational concerns identified after the offer was made.
Each case would be considered on its individual facts and in accordance with the Dover District Council’s statutory duties, allocations policy, homelessness duties where applicable, and relevant housing legislation.
Whether there is a right to request a review or appeal will depend on the nature of the decision and the statutory provisions applying to the housing duty in question. Where review rights exist, applicants would normally be informed of those rights.
Where practicable and appropriate, the Council would ordinarily seek to communicate with and, where necessary, consult the person concerned before withdrawing an offer. However, this may depend on the circumstances of the case, including urgency or matters outside the Council’s control.
Where an offer of accommodation is withdrawn, the Council would normally explain the reasons for the withdrawal in writing, subject to any legal, confidentiality, or safeguarding considerations that may apply.