In May 2009, the House of Lords made a landmark judgement in the case of R (G) v London Borough of Southwark1 which affects how local authorities provide accommodation and support for homeless 16- and 17-year-olds.
Where the young person requires emergency accommodation (level 4) the statutory agency receiving the approach shall accommodate pending any statutory determination of duties owed.
Where a district housing authority accommodate under (4) above or the young person requests an Assessment of Need under Section 17 Children’s Act 1989, the district housing authority shall continue to accommodate pending that statutory determination
Where Children’s Services accommodate under (4) above but the young person chooses to progress under homelessness provisions rather than be accommodated under Section 20 The Children Act 1989:
Children’s Services shall refer the young person to the district housing authority, but accommodate and fund the placement for 5 working days after referral has been made.