This practical course aims to assist those officers who have to make decisions in relation to local connection. The course will highlight the criteria and differences when referring an applicant at the relief and main duty stages. At every stage the Code of Guidance 2018 will be highlighted as well as the duties owed to those who are referred. The course also looks at the review regulations in relation to local connection decisions. Delegates will also be provided with decision letter templates and forms to assist them when making referrals and no local connection decisions. 

The course will cover:

• How to refer an applicant under S198(2), S198(2ZA) or S198(4)

• Local Connection Criteria for S198(2) referrals

• Relief Stage Local Connection (S198(A1))

• Writing First Local Connection (Relief stage) Decisions