The HOST Panel

The HOST Panel considers cases that fall outside routine decision-making or where the Housing Allocations Policy requires Panel approval. The Panel can award Band 1 priority where policy thresholds are met. It can consider emergency medical or welfare cases, exceptional circumstances, and requests to depart from standard policy rules where justified. The Panel cannot award priority based on personal hardship alone, length of time waiting, or preference for social housing. All decisions must be supported by evidence and must align with the policy.

A case may be referred to the HOST Panel where it involves emergency medical or disability needs, emergency welfare concerns, high-risk domestic abuse or violence, or exceptional circumstances that do not fit clearly within standard criteria. Cases may also be referred where there is a request to deviate from the Bedroom Standard or where strict application of the policy would cause significant injustice. Referral to the Panel does not guarantee an increase in housing priority.

When a case is referred to the HOST Panel, the applicant will be notified that a referral has been made. This notification explains that the case is being prepared for Panel consideration and that a decision has not yet been made. Being referred to the Panel does not mean that priority will automatically be awarded.

In order to prepare a full report for the HOST Panel, officers may request additional information or evidence. This may include updated medical information, confirmation from support agencies, safeguarding information, or further details about the applicant’s circumstances. The Panel cannot consider a case properly without sufficient evidence. If further information is requested, the case may not proceed to Panel until this information is received, or it may be deferred.

Only the HOST Panel can award Band 1 Emergency Medical or Disability priority. These cases are considered where an applicant has a life-threatening or rapidly progressive condition and the current accommodation presents an immediate and serious risk to health or safety. The risk must be one that cannot be resolved through reasonable adaptations or support. The Panel focuses on how the housing impacts the condition, rather than the diagnosis itself. Medical evidence must be provided from an appropriate health professional.

Exceptional circumstances are situations where an applicant has a significant housing need but their case does not fit neatly within standard banding criteria. The Panel will consider whether not applying discretion would result in serious hardship or risk. Exceptional circumstances are rare and must be supported by strong, objective evidence. Each case is assessed on its own facts, but decisions must remain consistent with how similar cases are treated.

The policy allows discretion where there is clear evidence that the household’s medical, disability, welfare, or care needs cannot reasonably be met within the Bedroom Standard. This includes situations such as the need for a non-resident overnight carer, where a household member cannot share a bedroom due to a medical or disability-related reason, or where specific care or safeguarding needs require separate sleeping arrangements. Applicants must provide appropriate professional evidence, such as medical reports, care assessments, or confirmation from Adult Social Care or another relevant agency. The HOST Panel will consider whether the need is genuine, ongoing, and directly linked to the housing situation, and whether granting an additional bedroom is necessary and proportionate under the policy.

The HOST Panel considers the Housing Allocations Policy alongside all evidence provided. This may include homelessness duties, medical or welfare assessments, safeguarding information, and professional reports. Decisions are made using set policy thresholds rather than discretion or personal judgement. Clear reasons are recorded for every decision.

The HOST Panel can make one of the following decisions. The Panel may accept the referral and make a decision in line with the Housing Allocations Policy. The Panel may decline the request where the case does not meet the required policy thresholds. The Panel may defer the case where further information or clarification is required before a decision can be made. All decisions are recorded with clear reasons.

Once a decision has been made, the applicant is notified in writing. The decision letter explains the outcome and the reasons for it, and advises the applicant of any next steps or review rights. If new evidence becomes available, the case may be reconsidered in line with the Housing Allocations Policy.

HOST Panel decisions are normally made within 28 days of all required information being received. This timescale reflects the requirements of Trafford Council’s Housing Allocations Policy and allows sufficient time for evidence to be gathered, reports to be prepared, and the case to be considered at the next available Panel meeting. Where further information is required, or where a case is deferred by the Panel, the 28-day period will not begin until the outstanding information has been received.