London Borough of Barnet (24 000 755)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 11-Jun-2024

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

London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (24 001 564)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 11-Jun-2024

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council ending its duty to help the complainant, who is homeless, secure housing. This is because the subject matter of the complaint carries a right of review which we consider the complainant could reasonably request from the Council.

Chichester District Council (23 015 156)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 11-Jun-2024

Summary: there was fault in the way the Council assessed Ms Y’s housing and support needs when she was homeless. It also failed to properly consider her concerns about being placed in interim accommodation which she said was unsuitable for her family’s needs. This caused Ms Y extra distress at a difficult time in her life.

Birmingham City Council (24 001 934)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 10-Jun-2024

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a claim for damages after the complainant’s belongings were damaged in a flood in her home. This is because it is a matter for insurers or the courts.

Broxbourne Borough Council (23 004 791)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 09-Jun-2024

Summary: Mrs X complained the Council provided unsuitable emergency accommodation, failed to inform her about the storage of her possessions and that offers of temporary accommodation were unsuitable due to being located outside the local area causing distress to the whole family. The Council failed to send Mrs X decision letters including when it accepted the main housing duty meaning Mrs X was not aware of her right to appeal the suitability of her temporary accommodation. This was fault as well as the Council not having a policy to provide help with the storage of belongings. A suitable remedy is agreed.

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (23 019 387)

Statement Not upheld Homelessness 09-Jun-2024

Summary: Ms X complained the Council failed to properly deal with her homelessness application and failed to provide access to her belongings after putting them in storage. She says this caused distress and that she became street homeless. There is no evidence of fault in respect of the decision that the Council did not owe the main housing duty. Regarding her belongings, the Council has provided Ms X with information about how to access them.

London Borough of Bexley (23 011 120)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 06-Jun-2024

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s handling of his homelessness application. We found the Council to be at fault. It did not properly consider his priority need, failed to advise Mr X about a rent contribution and took too long to consider his case when it was referred to the Council by the probation service. The Council has agreed to apologise and make a payment to Mr X to remedy his injustice. It should also take action to improve its service.

North Somerset Council (24 000 497)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 05-Jun-2024

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint that the accommodation the Council found for her was too expensive. The complaint is late, and she would have had the right to ask for a review of the suitability of the accommodation when the Council discharged its homelessness duty.

North Northamptonshire Council (23 016 081)

Statement Not upheld Homelessness 05-Jun-2024

Summary: There was no fault in the Council’s handling of Ms X’s homelessness. It offered her suitable interim accommodation and was entitled to end its duty when she refused it.

Bristol City Council (24 000 816)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 04-Jun-2024

Summary: We will not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint about the Council making an unsuitable offer of accommodation to a homeless applicant and then subsequently taking court action for possession of her temporary accommodation. This complaint was received outside the normal 12-month period for investigating complaints. There is no evidence to suggest that Miss X could not have complained to us sooner. We cannot investigate matters which have been subject to court proceedings.