London Borough of Hillingdon (24 009 792)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 22-Apr-2025

Summary: Miss X complained about how the Council handled her homelessness after she received an eviction notice in 2024. The Council was at fault. It failed to take steps to alleviate her risk of homelessness and delayed moving her to interim accommodation. This meant Miss X remained in a property at risk of eviction and homelessness for longer than necessary. The Council agreed to apologise and make a payment to Miss X to recognise the distress and uncertainty this caused.

London Borough of Lambeth (24 014 560)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 22-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council making an offer of alternative temporary accommodation which was unsuitable for the applicant’s family needs. There is insufficient evidence of fault causing any significant injustice to the complainant.

Plymouth City Council (24 021 186)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 22-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision Miss X is intentionally homeless. It is reasonable for her to use her statutory right of appeal to the county court on a point of law.

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (25 000 646)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 22-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about the Council’s decision to end the homelessness prevention duty. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault to justify investigating and because Ms X has appeal rights that are reasonable for her to exercise.

London Borough of Lambeth (24 008 427)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 21-Apr-2025

Summary: Miss X complained that the Council did not deal properly with her homelessness application. The Council delayed providing temporary accommodation, did not complete a suitability review, did not provide suitable accommodation and did not provide a proper complaint response. Miss X suffered delay and uncertainty. The Council should apologise to Miss X, pay Miss X £1750, review its processes and provide guidance to staff.

Coventry City Council (24 008 640)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 21-Apr-2025

Summary: Mr X complains the Council failed to consider his medical conditions when reviewing his housing application. We find fault with the Council for failing to communicate effectively with him. We have agreed a symbolic payment for the frustration and distress caused.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (24 018 101)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 21-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaints about the suitability of her temporary accommodation and about the delay in providing her with long term accommodation. This is because Miss X has a right of appeal and because we are not likely to find fault.

London Borough of Wandsworth (24 020 344)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 21-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about how the Council handled his homelessness application. This is because it was reasonable for him to challenge the Council’s statutory review decision by appealing to the County Court.

London Borough of Harrow (24 014 415)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 16-Apr-2025

Summary: The Council was at fault for failing to provide Mr X with interim accommodation when he was homeless. Mr X slept rough, which is an injustice. The Council also made inadequate inquiries and took too long to issue formal homelessness decisions. This delayed Mr X’s access to his review and appeal rights. The Council has agreed to apologise, make a new decision, and make a payment to Mr X. It will also act to improve its services.

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (24 019 177)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 16-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s decision on his homelessness application, because is it reasonable to expect him to use his right to appeal to court. For the remaining parts of his complaint, there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council and further investigation by us would likely not achieve a different outcome.