Oadby and Wigston Borough Council (18 005 370)

Category : Housing > Homelessness

Decision : Upheld

Decision date : 04 Apr 2019

Summary: Ms X complained the Council did not deal properly with her when she and her children became homeless when fleeing domestic violence. There were delays while the Council argued with another council (Authority A) about whose responsibility it was to take her homelessness application. The Council provided her with temporary accommodation that she believed was not suitable.

Finding

The Ombudsman upheld the complaint and found fault causing injustice.

Recommendations

To remedy the injustice caused, the Council should:

  • apologise, and pay £500 to Ms X, within three months of the date of this report.  This is to recognise the injustice caused to the family by the faults we have identified. The Council should provide evidence to us of its apology letter and payment. The Council has not yet agreed to this recommendation.
  • provide training to its housing staff to ensure they can identify when a homelessness application should be taken. It should do so within three months of the date of this report and provide evidence to us. The Council has not yet agreed to this recommendation.

Ombudsman satisfied with Council's response: 26 November 2019.

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