Housing Videos

Date when Video was Published: 21/07/2025

If you’re facing homelessness and your council isn’t taking action, know that you have options. You’re not alone — here’s how we recently supported a client in a similar situation. A young man came to us in late 2024 after applying for housing from a London council. He was struggling with serious mental health needs, a history of substance use, and had been sleeping rough. When he reached out, he was staying in emergency charity accommodation, but it was about to end. He had nowhere else to go. The council had accepted a duty to help him, but for months they did nothing, despite a duty to act within 56 days. He couldn’t get through to his housing officer. No calls returned. No action taken. We sent a legal letter urging the council to act. They finally accepted their full duty to house him and offered him a room in a large hostel. But it wasn’t safe. There was open drug use. It worsened his mental health and he was afraid to leave his room. We challenged that placement. We gathered medical evidence and explained why that hostel was unsuitable. As a result, the council offered him specialist, self-contained housing with access to the support he needs. He’s now in a stable home and able to rebuild his life.

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This video content was created on 21/07/2025 to provide an overview of the legal position and the information was correct at the time this video was created. This video has been produced for purposes of generic information and marketing purposes only. While the information on this site is about legal issues, it is not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for the particularised advice of your own legal advisor. Please consult one of our lawyers to provide you with advice and assistance on any matters touched on this video. Viewing of this video does not create legally binding advice and does not create a retainer with Duncan Lewis Solicitors. This video is Copyrighted at Duncan Lewis Solicitors 2025. Any illegal reproduction of this content is prohibited and will result in immediate legal action.