Haile v London Borough of Waltham Forest
[2015] UKSC 34
Independent editorial summary — not the official judgment. Read the full judgment via the source link.
Ratio Decidendi
A person who has been provided with accommodation under the homelessness provisions does not cease to be homeless if that accommodation is not suitable or reasonable to continue to occupy.
Facts
The appellant was provided with temporary accommodation but argued it was unsuitable due to overcrowding and condition. She sought a review of the homelessness decision.
Judgment Summary
The Supreme Court considered the interrelationship between the duty to accommodate and the suitability of accommodation, holding that the local authority must ensure accommodation is suitable when discharging its homelessness duties.
Key Quotes
"Suitability is a question of fact and degree, having regard to all the circumstances."
— Lord Reed
Subsequent Treatment
Applied in subsequent homelessness suitability challenges.
What To Do Next
Get Professional Help