STORY
Southwark Council has successfully defended its choice-based lettings and direct allocation policies after the High Court rejected a challenge alleging that the system was unlawful and insufficiently transparent. The judge found that the London borough could have explained parts of the process more clearly but had operated the scheme lawfully.
The claimant argued that she had been treated less favourably than households placed below her on the waiting list and could not understand why her family had not received enhanced priority. She also alleged that the council had failed to follow its direct offer procedure and had breached the public sector equality duty.
The court concluded that there had been no unlawful discrimination or failure to comply with transparency requirements. The judgment underlines the discretion councils retain when allocating scarce social housing, while also indicating that clearer information about priority categories and direct offers could reduce confusion and disputes.