Medical assessments

Before awarding medical priority, the assessment will consider whether all reasonable options have been explored to address the housing issues without a move. This may include whether aids, adaptations, equipment, support services, or care arrangements could reasonably reduce the impact of the accommodation. Where adaptations are suitable and feasible, a move may not be considered necessary. Medical priority is more likely to be awarded where the evidence shows that reasonable adjustments have been tried, are not suitable, or would not adequately resolve the housing-related impact.

The assessment considers whether the applicant’s needs could be met through adaptations to the existing property or through formal or informal care arrangements. This includes whether adaptations are practical, proportionate, and appropriate for the property, and whether care can reasonably be delivered within the current accommodation. Where adaptations are not possible, not appropriate, or would not address the identified risk, this will be taken into account. Applicants may be asked to provide evidence from occupational therapists, Adult Social Care, or other relevant professionals to support this part of the assessment.

A medical assessment may be considered where an applicant or a member of their household has a physical or mental health condition or disability that is made worse by their current accommodation. This may include difficulties using the home safely, problems accessing essential facilities, or a risk to health or wellbeing caused by the design, layout, or location of the property.

When carrying out a medical assessment, the team considers whether the applicant’s housing is having a direct impact on their health or wellbeing. This includes whether the layout, condition, or location of the home makes it difficult or unsafe to live independently, access essential facilities, manage a condition, or maintain reasonable health and safety. The team also considers the severity and frequency of the impact, whether the issues are ongoing, and whether the problem could reasonably be resolved without a move, such as through minor adaptations or support. To qualify, there must be a clear link between the applicant’s housing and the medical issue being raised. If the condition is not affected by the accommodation, or if a move would not significantly improve the situation, medical priority may not be awarded. Medical priority reflects the level of housing-related impact, not how long the condition has existed or how serious it is in clinical terms.

Applicants are responsible for providing medical evidence to support their request. Evidence should come from an appropriate health professional and explain how the current accommodation affects the condition or disability. General statements about a diagnosis without reference to the housing impact may not be sufficient. Medical evidence must be up to date and relevant to the housing issues being raised.

Neurodivergent conditions may be considered where the current accommodation does not reasonably meet the applicant’s needs and this has a significant impact on wellbeing, safety, or ability to function. This may include sensory sensitivities, difficulties with shared or confined spaces, or challenges arising from noise, layout, or lack of predictable or safe environments. The assessment considers whether these issues are directly linked to the accommodation and whether they create a housing-related need. Evidence should explain how the property affects the applicant or household member and why the issues cannot reasonably be managed within the current home.

Mental health conditions may be considered as part of a medical assessment where the applicant’s accommodation is having a direct and significant impact on their mental health. This may include situations where the design, layout, location, or safety of the home contributes to increased anxiety, distress, deterioration in mental health, or an inability to manage daily living. The assessment focuses on whether the accommodation is a contributing factor, rather than the mental health condition alone. Evidence should explain how the current housing affects the applicant’s mental health and why a move would reduce that impact. General statements about stress or low mood without a clear link to the accommodation may not meet the policy threshold.

In some cases, further medical information may be required before a decision can be made. If additional evidence is needed, the applicant will be contacted and advised of what information is required. The assessment cannot be completed until sufficient evidence has been provided.

Low-level medical needs may be recognised where the accommodation has a negative effect but does not create an urgent risk, Band 4. More serious cases may be awarded higher priority where the housing is directly detrimental to health, Band 2. Band 1 emergency medical priority can only be awarded by the HOST Panel and is reserved for cases where the accommodation presents an immediate and serious risk that cannot be resolved through adaptations or support.

Following a medical assessment, one of the following outcomes will apply. Medical priority may be awarded where the evidence shows that the housing is having a significant impact on health or wellbeing. Medical priority may be declined where the housing is not considered to be contributing to the condition or where the impact does not meet the policy thresholds. A decision may be deferred where further information or clarification is required before an outcome can be reached. All decisions are recorded with clear reasons and are made in line with the Housing Allocations Policy.

Being awarded medical priority does not mean that a suitable home will be available quickly. Waiting times for rehousing depend on the availability of properties that meet the applicant’s assessed needs, including location, property type, bedroom size, and any medical or accessibility requirements. Demand for social and affordable rented housing in Trafford is very high, and some property types are in particularly short supply. Evidence from lettings outcomes shows that applicants with medical priority may still experience significant waiting times, especially where specialist housing, ground-floor accommodation, lift access, or adapted properties are required. The medical assessment team considers housing impact and priority only. Applicants are encouraged to bid regularly on all suitable properties and to keep their preferences realistic to maximise their chances of being rehoused.