Housing Law Article on AI in Council Decision-making Featured in Legal Press (17 October 2025)

Amandeep Bains, a solicitor in Duncan Lewis’ Housing Department, was recently featured in Local Government Lawyer and Chronicle Law discussing the risks of AI in homelessness decision-making.

In the article, AI Could Undermine Homelessness Protections, Amandeep warns that without robust safeguards, the rights of vulnerable applicants could be seriously undermined.

The Problem with AI and Homelessness

Amandeep highlights several risks that could occur when local authorities integrate AI into homelessness decision-making:

Lack of transparency: Automated systems operate as "black boxes," preventing applicants from understanding the basis of decisions affecting their housing rights.

Discrimination risk: AI trained on historical data may perpetuate existing biases, disadvantaging vulnerable groups and transforming a protective process into one that reinforces inequality.

Accountability gaps: AI-influenced decisions obscure responsibility, undermining officers' statutory duty to independently review cases and making it harder for applicants to challenge flawed outcomes.

A Balanced Approach

Amandeep advocates for thoughtful regulation rather than wholesale rejection of technology. His proposed framework includes mandatory disclosure when AI is used, ensuring human decision-makers retain ultimate responsibility, regular bias auditing of automated systems, clear accountability structures, and potential legislative updates to protect applicants' rights.

The article emphasises that whilst AI could enhance efficiency, it must not come at the expense of fairness. The homelessness review process serves as a vital safeguard that technology should strengthen, not compromise, protection for those most in need.

Read the Chronicle Law article here.

Read the Local Government Lawyer article here.

 About Amandeep Bains

Amandeep Bains is a Solicitor in Duncan Lewis' Housing Department, handling homelessness applications, housing disrepair claims, possession proceedings, counterclaims, judicial review applications, and unlawful eviction cases.

With substantial advocacy experience, Amandeep regularly represents clients before local authority panels and acts as a Court Duty advocate in county courts, assisting tenants facing complex possession claims. He is committed to promoting social justice and achieving optimal outcomes for vulnerable clients, including those with mental health issues and disabilities.

If you are facing homelessness, possession proceedings, housing disrepair, or wish to discuss potential housing-related claims or challenges to local authority decisions, Amandeep can be contacted directly.

Telephone: 02072752843

Email: amandeepb@Duncanlewis.com

About Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is recognised as a leading law firm in The Legal 500 UK, with its Housing Team ranked in the top tier for its expertise in housing and landlord and tenant law. The team represents tenants, leaseholders, and homeowners across England and Wales, providing advice and advocacy on all aspects of housing litigation, including disrepair, homelessness, possession, and unlawful eviction matters.