Local Connection Protocol

A recurring issue faced by MLRC’s clients came in the form of refusals to provide emergency accommodation unless the client could prove a ‘local connection’ to the local authority area. This process had in previous years been adopted by a number of local authorities and was strongly resisted by MLRC. A ‘local connection’ in social housing law is a discretionary criteria when a person seeks a Social Housing Assessment. The provision of emergency homeless accommodation does not have such a requirement. Imposing such a requirement to access homeless services creates a serious risk factor, particularly for persons who become homeless suddenly and who may not be able to provide the additional evidence required. It also risks having a discriminatory effect on minority groups such as Travellers and migrants who may not have resided in any one local authority area for a prolonged period. In 2020, the Minister for Housing indicated that the ‘local connection’ criteria in social housing should not be applied to homeless services. However, MLRC casework in late 2023 saw a marked increase in refusals of access to emergency accommodation by way of a ‘local connection’ requirement, in addition to an entrenchment of this position by a number of local authorities. MLRC subsequently became aware of a document entitled “Local Connection Protocol for Homeless Presentations outside county of origin” prepared by the County and City Management Association in July 2023. This protocol, which has no statutory basis, has been sent to every local authority. While advocacy by MLRC and other organisations has assisted our clients in accessing emergency accommodation despite this, we remain deeply concerned about the impact of extra-legal policies on the rights of our clients.