Skip to main content

How we assess Housing Register applications

We assess all Housing Register applications against our Peterborough Housing Allocations Policy. We award eligibility and priority based on your housing needs. We take into account your current circumstances and any other information you provide. 

A decision is made against clear qualification criteria that apply to all applicants equally. Our policy or criteria cannot be appealed.

Your right to a review

If you think we have got the decision wrong about your Housing Register application, you can challenge it by asking for a review.

You have 21 days after the original decision to request a review.

  • The decision will be overturned if the reviewing officer is satisfied that the original decision did not accurately reflect your circumstances.
  • We may also overturn the decision if your situation has changed or further evidence has been supplied to support this during the review process.
  • It is very unlikely a decision will change unless further evidence is supplied, or you missed out some critical information in your original application. 

You may ask for a review of: 

  • Decisions about refusing an application to join the Housing Register (whether because ineligible or non-qualifying) 
  • The banding decision 
  • Decisions to remove an application from the Housing Register 
  • Offers of housing 
  • Decisions as to the facts of an applicant’s case which are likely to be or have been considered in considering whether to allocate accommodation to them
  • Suitability of accommodation review

It will help in your review application to:

  • Say exactly why you disagree with the decision
  • Provide additional information that supports your case such as doctor’s notes
  • Give the names and contact numbers of any professionals such as social workers who can support your case
  • Explain what circumstances have changed since your initial application

Asking for a review of your Housing Register application

If you feel we have incorrectly assessed your Housing Register application against our 'Housing Allocations Policy', please let us know why. You can complete our online form below to start a review. You don't need to re-send previous correspondence. 

Once we receive your form, we will review your application with the additional information that you have provided.

We aim to assess reviews within 56 days. The review will be done by a different housing officer.

Please note we are currently experiencing higher-than-average wait times to process reviews. It may take us longer than 56 days to process your housing application review. 

Requesting a second and final review

If you believe the review decision is still incorrect, you can ask for a second and final review. A senior officer or manager will conduct this review, but it will follow the same process as the first review. The decision of the second review is final.

Complaints procedure

You can complain if you are unhappy with how we have handled your case. For example, if you think we took too long to make a decision or did not follow the correct procedure.

Before you make a complaint, please contact the Housing Needs Team first on 01733 864 064 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). This allows us to discuss your concerns and put things right.

The complaint process is unlikely to affect any decisions made on your housing register application. You should ask for a 'review' if you want us to reconsider or change a decision we have made on your housing register application. 

You can still use our formal complaints procedure if you wish (see link below).

Visit our Corporate Complaints webpage.

You can also complain to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is likely to uphold a complaint if you have suffered injustice because the Council has been at fault.

Published: 02 January 2024