London Borough of Lambeth (16 005 834)

Category : Housing > Homelessness

Decision : Upheld

Decision date : 15 Aug 2017

Summary

A mother complained that London Borough of Lambeth took too long to house her when she and her child told it they were homeless.

The complaint

The mother and her child were fleeing domestic violence when they told the council they were homeless. The mother complained that the council kept her in unsuitable accommodation for more than a year before housing her.

Finding

The Ombudsman upheld the complaint and found fault causing injustice.

Recommendations

Towards the end of our investigation the council arranged alternative accommodation for the mother and this is a partial remedy.

In addition, to remedy the injustice caused, we recommend within three months, the council:

  • pay the mother £3,000 for the delay in securing appropriate accommodation, and for her distress and time and trouble in pursuing matters; and
  • pay her £1,700 as a contribution towards the storage costs she incurred before moving to appropriate accommodation.

Ombudsman satisfield with council's response 22 November 2017

 

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