Overview:

Key to names used

• Mr X The complainant

Summary

Mr X complained the Council: had not found him accommodation since he became homeless in July 2021, leaving him sleeping rough in a garage and his car; lowered his banding on the housing allocations register from Gold to Bronze over two months in error (around December 2021); refused him a payment from its welfare fund and ignored his request to review that decision, leaving him without funds for a blanket and toaster, and; communicated poorly with him.

Finding

Fault found causing injustice and recommendations made.

Recommendations

The Council must consider the report and confirm within three months the action it has taken or proposes to take. The Council should consider the report at its full Council, Cabinet or other appropriately delegated committee of elected members and we will require evidence of this. (Local Government Act 1974, section 31(2), as amended)

To remedy the injustice caused we recommend the Council:

• apologise to Mr X in writing;

• offer Mr X suitable temporary accommodation under its main housing duty;

• pay Mr X £500 for distress and uncertainty;

• pay Mr X £1,050 for failing to provide suitable accommodation for three months from 20 October 2021 to 26 January 2022;

• pay Mr X £2,450 for failing to provide suitable accommodation for seven months from 26 January 2022 to 26 July 2022;

• provide training or guidance to its housing team to ensure they understand the Council’s duties to provide accommodation under the Housing Act 1996, with reference to this report.

Ombudsman satisfied with Council response: 2 February 2023.

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