West Suffolk Council (21 014 278)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Allocations 27-Jan-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Mr X’s priority for housing. The evidence suggests the Council properly reached its decision, so we cannot criticise the decision.

London Borough of Tower Hamlets (21 005 000)

Statement Upheld Allocations 26-Jan-2022

Summary: Mr B complained about the way the Council dealt with his housing application following a relationship breakdown. We found that the Council delayed in responding to Mr B’s application and review request, failed to advise him correctly in respect of his housing application, failed to assess his housing situation when he presented as homeless on two occasions in 2019 and failed to offer clear advice on progressing his housing application. This has caused Mr B significant frustration distress and time and trouble. The Council has agreed to pay Mr B £500, to arrange a housing interview with him to progress his housing application and to ensure all housing staff are aware of the content of the housing allocations policy and the Council’s legal duties in respect of homelessness.

Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council (21 012 265)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Allocations 25-Jan-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to revoke the complainants’ high priority on the housing register. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

London Borough of Waltham Forest (21 013 771)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Allocations 25-Jan-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision that the complainant cannot join the housing register. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (21 004 074)

Statement Upheld Allocations 25-Jan-2022

Summary: Ms D complained the Council had failed to properly assess her housing needs and move her to a suitable accommodation since 2011. She also said it failed to understand her needs properly before inviting her to view two properties and it did not respond properly to her complaint. We found no fault on the substantial matters of Ms D’s complaint as the Council had assessed her need and followed its Policy. However, it had failed to ensure her first viewing could go ahead as planned. The Council agreed to apologise and make payment to remedy the injustice this caused her.

London Borough of Lambeth (21 004 301)

Statement Upheld Allocations 24-Jan-2022

Summary: Miss X complained the Council stopping making Discretionary Housing Payments to cover the shortfall between her benefits and rent. The Council was at fault for failing to properly consider if Miss X’s property was affordable before ending its relief homelessness duty and for failing to consider if it owed her a new homelessness duty when she accrued significant rent arrears. This caused Miss X distress. The Council has agreed to pay Miss X’s rent arrears and ongoing rent shortfall and consider whether it owes Miss X a homelessness duty. It should also remind its staff of the proper process.

London Borough of Southwark (21 013 431)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Allocations 21-Jan-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s housing allocations scheme. There is no evidence we would find fault in the Council’s actions.

London Borough of Southwark (21 012 787)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Allocations 20-Jan-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s assessment of Miss X’s housing application. There is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation.

London Borough of Lambeth (21 013 508)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Allocations 18-Jan-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the priority given to Miss X’s housing application. There is not enough evidence of fault by the Council.

Dover District Council (21 013 530)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Allocations 18-Jan-2022

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s housing allocations scheme. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council to warrant us investigating.