Visit JCPCUKSC/2025/0050
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LANDLORD AND TENANT
R (on the application of Bano) (Appellant) v London Borough of Waltham Forest (Respondent)
Case summary
Case ID
UKSC/2025/0050
Parties
Appellant(s)
Sabhya Bano
Respondent(s)
London Borough of Waltham Forest
Intervener(s)
Shelter, The National Campaign for Homeless People Limited
13 London Boroughs and another
Social Housing Law Association
Issue
Does a local authority’s duty to house homeless applicants under section 193(2) of the Housing Act 1996 (“Housing Act”) end automatically upon the applicant accepting or rejecting an offer of accommodation made under section 193(7AA)?
Facts
On 13 December 2016, Mrs Bano applied to London Borough of Waltham Forest for assistance as a homeless person under Part 7 of the Housing Act. Waltham Forest accepted that it owed Mrs Bano the “main housing duty” under Housing Act section 193(2) and in May 2017, Waltham Forest arranged for Mrs Bano to be provided with temporary accommodation in Newham. On 11 June 2020, Waltham Forest sent Mrs Bano an offer of private rented sector accommodation in Derby. Waltham Forest explained in the letter that the offer would discharge its main housing duty, whether Mrs Bano accepted or refused the offer. Mrs Bano refused the offer and remained in occupation of the property in Newham. On 19 August 2020, Waltham Forest sent a letter indicating that Mrs Bano would have to leave the Newham property by 31 August 2020. On 28 September 2020, Mrs Bano requested that Waltham Forest carry out a review of the suitability of the accommodation offered. In a letter dated 7 October 2020, Waltham Forest refused this request because it had not been made in time. In November 2022, the provider of the Newham property issued possession proceedings against Mrs Bano, who issued a claim for judicial review of the Waltham Forest’s decision that it no longer owed Mrs Bano the main housing duty. The High Court ruled in favour of Mrs Bano. The Court of Appeal allowed Waltham Forest’s appeal. Mrs Bano now appeals to the UK Supreme Court.
Date of issue
25 March 2025
Case origin
PTA
Judgment appealed
Written arguments
Statements of Facts and Issues
Judgment details
Judgment date
22 July 2026
Neutral citation
[2026] UKSC 22
Appeal
Justices
Hearing dates
Start date
17 March 2026
End date
17 March 2026
Watch hearings
17 March 2026 - Morning session
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Permission to Appeal
Justices
Permission to Appeal decision date
17 June 2025
Permission to Appeal decision
Granted
Previous proceedings
Change log
Last updated 16 September 2025