PETITIONRejectedPetition · petition.parliament.uk

Require all councils to complete needs-based assessments in homelessness cases.

Require all local authorities in England to complete and record a needs-based assessment for households presenting as homeless, including disability-related disadvantage, children’s needs, communication needs, and reasonable adjustments, before and during key accommodation and support decisions.

Last fetched 19 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk

Signatures

signatures

Government response threshold (10,000) · 14/10,000

Debate threshold (100,000) · 14/100,000

Petition progress2 events · Feb – Mar 2026

27 MAR 2026
Petition rejected
already-happening
Councils are already required to complete assessments of applicants who are homeless or at risk of homelessness: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities/overview-of-the-homelessness-legislation You could submit a new petition setting out clearly how you would change these assessments. You may find the following resources helpful: https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/homeless-help/homelessness/applying-for-homeless-help/
24 FEB 2026
Petition created

Background

Families facing homelessness are often in crisis. Many are also managing disability, trauma, mental health issues, or children with additional needs. Without a mandatory needs-based assessment, councils can rely on assumptions and behaviour labels, leading to unsafe or unfair decisions. We want the Government to require councils to complete and record a needs-based assessment and adjustment plan in homelessness services, with review points, clear written communication, and accountability.