Ms K applied as homeless to Birmingham City Council on the grounds that her mental health was being adversely affected by paranormal activity in her home.

The council found her not to be homeless. She sought a review. The reviewer upheld the decision. Ms K consulted Nashin Akbar at CLP. A s204 appeal was issued on five grounds: failure to comply with review regulations; unfairness; failure to make enquiries; failure to consider relevant matters; consideration of irrelevant matters; failure to give adequate reasons and failure to act reasonably. The appeal was settled with BCC agreeing to carry out further review and pay costs.  Subsequently the review officer wrote to Ms K that he was minded to uphold the “not homeless” decision on the basis that, inter alia, ghosts do not exist. (This from an organisation which has a lucrative line in “Ghost Tours” of Birmingham) Mike McIlvaney accompanied the client to the review meeting offered by the housing officer. On Tuesday BCC confirmed that they now accept that Ms K is homeless and will be providing her with accommodation accordingly.