Most local authorities require a person to have a local connection in order to access a particular service; this is so applicants have the maximum opportunity to access support networks such as family and friends. Local Authorities’ definitions of local connection can vary.
You are likely to have a local connection with an area if you meet one of the following:
You live in the area
You have lived in the area for six out of the last 12 months, or three out of the last five years. This often does not include sleeping rough in that area.
You have close family in the area
Your immediate family has lived in the area for at least five years, and you wish to live near them. This is normally limited to parents, children, brothers or sisters and that you have a close relationship with.
You may have a local connection if you were brought up in the area by a different family member such as an aunt, uncle or grandparent.
You work in the area
You work full or part-time in the area and have on-going employment in the area.
Other special reasons
There are other special reasons that councils will consider as a local connection. For example, you may need to live in an area to receive specialist health care or because in the past you lived in the area for a long time.
You can find out more about local connections on the UK government website here.
