London Borough of Newham (24 016 674)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 13-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of Ms X’s homelessness application because there is insufficient injustice to justify our involvement. Further, Ms X had the right to appeal to the county court in respect of the Council’s decision she was not in priority need and it was reasonable for her to exercise that right.

Boston Borough Council (24 020 401)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 13-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about the lack of support provided by the Council in relation to her homeless application and about the priority band her housing register was awarded. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault.

London Borough of Islington (24 014 104)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 12-May-2025

Summary: Mr X complained it took the Council too long to give him a decision on his homelessness application and did not respond to his concerns about the suitability of the accommodation it provided him with. Mr X said he has lived in a property which he believed was unsuitable. We found the Council at fault for the time it took to give him a decision on his homelessness application and look at the suitability of his accommodation. The Council agreed to apologise to Mr X, make a payment to him and carry out a service improvement.

London Borough of Barnet (24 020 731)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 12-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint the Council placed her in unsuitable accommodation for 13 months and delayed in applying the correct priority band to her housing register application. This is because the Council has already appropriately remedied the faults accepted and an investigation would not lead to any further findings or recommendations.

London Borough of Newham (24 014 554)

Statement Not upheld Homelessness 11-May-2025

Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to provide him with interim accommodation when he was evicted without notice. There was no fault in the Council’s actions.

London Borough of Hackney (24 020 003)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 11-May-2025

Summary: We will not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint about the Council’s ending of its homelessness duty to Mr X in 2023. This complaint was received outside the normal 12-month period for investigating complaints. There is no evidence to suggest that Mr X could not have complained to us sooner.

London Borough of Redbridge (24 022 277)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 11-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the suitability of Mrs X’s temporary accommodation. She successfully used her right to request a review and the Council agreed to offer the family alternative temporary accommodation.

Milton Keynes Council (24 012 832)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 08-May-2025

Summary: Ms D complained the Council had placed her family in unsuitable interim and temporary accommodation. Based on current evidence I have upheld the complaint and the Council has agreed to pay financial redress to Ms D to recognise the time her family had to spend in unsuitable accommodation.

Stroud District Council (24 010 169)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 07-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the suitability of interim and temporary accommodation provided by the Council after he became homeless. There is insufficient evidence of fault to justify our involvement and Mr X had rights of review and appeal that were reasonable for him to exercise.

London Borough of Tower Hamlets (24 011 126)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 07-May-2025

Summary: Mr X complained about how the Council handled his repeated reports about mice issues in his temporary accommodation. He said this significantly affected his children’s health and his family’s general wellbeing. We found the Council at fault for shortcomings in the action it took, failing to carry out any suitability reviews and delay in complaint handling. The Council has agreed to apologise and pay a symbolic payment to recognise the injustice caused.