Broxbourne Borough Council (21 015 485)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 08-Mar-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the way the Council dealt with problems the complainant reported with his temporary accommodation. This is because it is unlikely we could add to the Council’s investigation or that the outcome for the complainant would be different if we now investigated his complaint.

London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (21 003 902)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 04-Mar-2022

Summary: Mr X complained about errors in the way the Council has dealt with his homelessness application. The delays and errors in the way the Council dealt with Mr X’s homelessness application amount to fault. This fault has caused Mr X an injustice.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council (20 010 166)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 04-Mar-2022

Summary: The Ombudsman found fault on Mr L’s complaint about the Council’s actions when he became homeless. It failed to: consider him homeless during his initial visit; provide evidence and details of temporary accommodation offered and how it assessed suitability for a vulnerable person; show it explored with him his limits on sharing accommodation. The agreed action remedies the injustice caused. There was no fault in its decision about his lack of local connection preventing him joining the housing register.

Cambridge City Council (21 006 315)

Statement Not upheld Homelessness 03-Mar-2022

Summary: Mr X complained about the way the Council handled his homelessness application. The Council was not at fault.

London Borough of Tower Hamlets (21 014 600)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 02-Mar-2022

Summary: The Council was at fault for saying it would end Ms X’s temporary accommodation and its duties towards her without providing a proper decision letter or notice. The Council has agreed to pay Ms X £500 for the distress she was caused. This is a suitable remedy so we will not investigate this complaint. We cannot investigate Ms X’s complaints about the suitability of her accommodation as she has a right of appeal to court.

London Borough of Haringey (21 015 438)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 02-Mar-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council unreasonably ended its homelessness duty in a woman’s case and now wants to evict her from her temporary accommodation. This is mainly because the woman had a right of appeal to court concerning the Council’s decision. In addition, she has complained late.

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council (20 009 540)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 02-Mar-2022

Summary: Mr X complained that he was bullied and abused by staff providing the Council’s Rough Sleeper Programme and that accommodation the Council provided was unsuitable. We found there was a failure to formally respond to complaints in 2019. However, there was no evidence Mr X was treated improperly.

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (21 005 747)

Statement Not upheld Homelessness 01-Mar-2022

Summary: There is no fault in how the Council offered Ms X a homeless assessment.

Westminster City Council (20 013 945)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 01-Mar-2022

Summary: The Council’s failure to provide Ms X a reviewable decision about the suitability of her temporary accommodation is fault. There is also fault in the Council’s failure to keep accurate records. There is no fault in the Council’s decision Ms X didn’t need a level access shower. There is no fault in how the Council decided not to award Ms X lease end points on her application to the housing register. The Council has agreed to apologise, make a financial payment to Ms X, and take action to improve its services.

Horsham District Council (21 009 407)

Statement Not upheld Homelessness 28-Feb-2022

Summary: Mr X complained that the Council attempted to provide him with accommodation that was not fit for purpose. He said the Council’s approach to re-housing him from unsuitable accommodation has caused him and his wife anxiety. I do not find the Council at fault.