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

Rejected 14 signatures

What the petition asks

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.

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.

Why it was rejected

The UK Government or Parliament was already taking the action it asked for.

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/

Timeline

24 Feb 2026	Petition opened for signatures
27 Mar 2026	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 14

Status Rejected

Rejected 27 Mar 2026

Follow this petition