London Borough of Lambeth (24 018 171)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 16-Sep-2025

Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to secure suitable temporary accommodation for him and his family. We find the Council at fault for not moving Mr X to suitable temporary accommodation, causing stress and upset. The Council has agreed to apologise and make a payment to recognise the injustice.

London Borough of Southwark (24 019 462)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 16-Sep-2025

Summary: Miss X complained that the Council failed to carry out a suitability review of her temporary accommodation. We found the Council at fault and it has agreed to a suitable remedy.

Royal Borough of Greenwich (24 021 829)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 16-Sep-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about issues arising from the Council’s decision on Mr X’s homelessness application. This is because it was reasonable for Mr X to challenge the Council’s decision to end relief duty in the County Court.

London Borough of Hounslow (25 004 580)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 16-Sep-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision on a homelessness application. It was reasonable for Ms X to use the review/appeal procedure under the homelessness legislation to challenge the Council’s decision.

London Borough of Lewisham (24 019 448)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 15-Sep-2025

Summary: Miss D complained the Council failed to assist with her homelessness application. I found the Council at fault because it failed to provide Miss D with a reasonable level of service and she was caused avoidable time and trouble pursuing her case.

London Borough of Brent (24 020 328)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 15-Sep-2025

Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to provide assistance when he was homeless and unemployed in 2020-2021. The complaints are outside the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction because they are considered late complaints. We have not exercised discretion to consider these late complaints because Mr X has not provided evidence to show it was not possible for him to have complained sooner.

London Borough of Haringey (24 021 821)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 15-Sep-2025

Summary: Ms D complains the Council failed to clarify if it had inspected her temporary accommodation and was aware of repairs needed to it. I have found fault by the Council because it did not properly explain about the inspections at the property to Ms D leaving her uncertain about what had happened. I have asked the Council to apologise to Ms D.

London Borough of Lambeth (24 002 985)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 14-Sep-2025

Summary: Ms B complained that the Council delayed in carrying out a review of the suitability of her temporary accommodation. We found the Council at fault for taking nine months rather than eight weeks to complete the review. This meant Ms B and her family lived in unsuitable accommodation for longer than was necessary. The Council has agreed to apologise and make a symbolic payment of £900.

Brighton & Hove City Council (24 022 783)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 14-Sep-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s delay in issuing a homelessness review decision. It was reasonable for Mr X to challenge the final decision by appealing to the court. There is insufficient injustice caused by the delay to warrant an investigation.

Luton Borough Council (25 007 243)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 14-Sep-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council handled Miss X’s homelessness assessment. This is because the Council has taken appropriate action to prevent reoccurrence of this fault and offered £100 as a remedy for injustice. There are no wider public interest issues to justify our investigation.