Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977

18 Meaning of "local connection"

(1) Any reference in this Act to a person having a local connection with an area is a reference to his having a connection with that area—

(a) because he is or in the past was normally resident in it and his residence in it is or was of his own choice ; or

(b) because he is employed in it, or

(c) because of family associations, or

(d) because of any special circumstances.

(2) Residence in an area is not of a person's own choice for the purposes of subsection (1) above if he became resident in it—

(a) because he or any person who might reasonably be expected to reside with him—

(i) was serving in the regular armed forces of the Crown, or

(ii) was detained under the authority of any Act of Parliament, or

(b) in such other circumstances as the Secretary of State may by order specify.

(3) A person is not employed in an area for the purposes of subsection (1) above—

(a) if he is serving in the regular armed forces of the Crown, or

(b) in such other circumstances as the Secretary of State may by order specify.

(4) In this section " regular armed forces of the Crown " means the Royal Navy, the regular forces as defined by section 225 of the [1955 c. 18.] Army Act 1955, the regular air force as defined by section 227 of the [1955 c. 19.] Air Force Act 1955, Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service and the Women's Royal Naval Service.