Challenge two: Homelessness law

Who is vulnerable?

You work for a local authority and have obligations to some homeless people under the Housing Act 1996. However, those obligations are hedged by requiring that you are satisfied that a homeless person has priority need. This means a single person, for instance, must generally also be considered “vulnerable” - yet vulnerability is a question about which the highest courts have struggled. Can you make sense of it? You will be given access to data and information about the relevant areas of the law and be tasked with creating a petition to demand change. You will be guided by the Law School’s expert in housing law, who will offer some initial advice.

Recommended timings

  • Day one: Simply read through all materials carefully before starting the challenge. Make sure you take particular note of any guidance/tips outlining what you should and shouldn't be focusing on.
  • Day two: Read through the materials again, this time taking notes based on 1) the problem 2) the evidence 3) your top three messages and 4) your one call to action.
  • Day three: Create your rough draft. Remember the final output is max 400 words - don't dwell on anything that doesn't help you achieve the above.
  • Day four: Finalise/polish your submission - and don't forget to send it in!