Section 166a Reviews

To request a review, you must submit your request in writing within 21 days of the date of the email or letter notification you received. Your request should clearly explain which decision you are asking to be reviewed and why you believe the decision is incorrect. You should include any relevant information or evidence you want to be considered as part of the review. Review requests should be sent to THCReviews@trafford.gov.uk Requests received outside the 21 day period may not be accepted.

You can request a review of certain decisions made about your housing application. This includes decisions such as your eligibility to join the Housing Register, the housing priority or band you have been awarded, your bedroom entitlement, or a decision to cancel your application. Not all decisions can be reviewed. Only decisions listed in the Housing Allocations Policy and covered by Section 166A of the Housing Act are eligible for review.

A review cannot be requested simply because you are unhappy with how long you have been waiting or because a suitable home has not yet become available. You cannot request a review of matters that relate to housing supply, bidding outcomes, or decisions made by Registered Providers, such as affordability checks or refusals made under a landlord’s own policies.

When requesting a review, you should include any new or additional information that was not available at the time the original decision was made. This may include medical evidence, professional reports, or clarification about your circumstances. The review will be based on the information available at the time of the original decision and any additional evidence you provide.

Once a valid review request is received, the case will be considered by an officer who was not involved in making the original decision. You will receive an acknowledgement email. The reviewing officer will consider the Housing Allocations Policy, the reasons for the original decision, and any additional information provided. You may be contacted if further clarification or information is required.

The Council has up to 56 days, which is eight weeks, from the date a valid review request is received to make a review decision. Where possible, reviews will be completed sooner. However, when the Council is experiencing high volumes of review requests, or where additional information or evidence is required from officers or other services, the review process may take longer. Reviews cannot usually be expedited, as they must be considered fairly and consistently. You will be notified in writing once the review has been completed.

Review outcomes Following a review, one of the following outcomes will apply. The original decision may be upheld if it is found to be correct and in line with the policy. The decision may be changed if it is found to be incorrect or if new information affects the outcome. The review may be closed if the request does not meet the criteria for a review under Section 166A. All review decisions are provided in writing with clear reasons.

Once a final review decision has been issued, there is no further right of review within the Council. If you believe the decision is legally incorrect, you may have the right to challenge it in the County Court on a point of law only. Independent legal advice should be sought before taking this step. You may also raise concerns about the way your case was handled through Trafford Council’s complaints procedure. The complaints process cannot change a housing allocation decision but can consider service issues.

If you need help understanding a decision or your options after a review, you may wish to seek independent advice. Organisations such as Citizens Advice or Shelter can provide guidance on housing law, reviews, and possible next steps.

A review is not a new application and does not guarantee a different outcome. Requesting a review does not stop bidding unless your application is cancelled or suspended. All reviews are carried out in line with Trafford Council’s Housing Allocations Policy and Section 166A of the Housing Act 1996.