Bristol City Council (25 003 196)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 02-Jun-2026

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s failure remedy his injustice following a previous investigation by the Ombudsman about his unsuitable accommodation. We found the Council to be at fault because it did not provide a remedy for the additional time he lived in unsuitable accommodation. This caused distress and frustration. To remedy this injustice, the Council agreed to apologise, make an additional payment and take action to improve its service.

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames (25 006 459)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 01-Jun-2026

Summary: We found fault by the Council on Miss Y’s complaint about it failing to meet its duties under the homeless relief stage, deciding whether it owed her the main housing duty, and not contacting her for seven months. The agreed action remedies the injustice caused. There was no fault on her complaint about it failing to place her in suitable interim accommodation.

London Borough of Lambeth (25 011 900)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 01-Jun-2026

Summary: Mr X complained the Council delayed in dealing with his homelessness application between November 2024 and May 2025. And that the Council pressurised him into accepting accommodation which is unsuitable based on his medical needs. We found the delay and poor communication in progressing Mr X’s application is fault. This fault has caused Mr X avoidable distress and uncertainty.

Birmingham City Council (25 006 805)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 27-May-2026

Summary: The Council was at fault for the time taken to carry out a suitability review and for providing incorrect information about how to challenge this decision. The Council was also at fault for leaving Mr X’s family in accommodation for two months after it decided the accommodation was unsuitable. To remedy the injustice caused the Council agreed to apologise, make a payment to Mr X and ensure its review letters contained the correct information.

London Borough of Lambeth (25 021 278)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 26-May-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the suitability of temporary accommodation. This is because Mr X had a right of appeal to the county court and it would have been reasonable for him to use it.

London Borough of Barking & Dagenham (25 005 873)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 26-May-2026

Summary: Miss W complained on behalf of her mother Mrs X about how the Council handled her request for homelessness assistance. We find no fault regarding her complaints the Council was rude, wrong to issue a warning notice, lacked fairness and empathy and did not make reasonable adjustments. We find the Council at fault for housing Mrs X and her family in unsuitable bed and breakfast accommodation that caused significant injustice. The Council has agreed to apologise and make a symbolic payment to remedy the injustice.

Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council (25 010 151)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 26-May-2026

Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to comply with its statutory duties when it made him homeless due to disrepair in his flat. We find the Council at fault for a delay in accepting the main housing duty and for failing to complete a suitability review. The faults caused Mr X distress, frustration and uncertainty. The Council has agreed to apologise and make a symbolic payment to remedy the injustice caused to Mr X.

Broxbourne Borough Council (25 010 849)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 26-May-2026

Summary: Miss X complained about the way the Council dealt with her housing and homelessness applications. We found there was fault in how the Council reached and communicated its decisions. We recommended an apology and a payment to recognise the frustration and distress caused.

London Borough of Ealing (25 012 296)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 25-May-2026

Summary: Mr D says the Council has delayed responding to his statutory review request relating to his homelessness application. I have found fault by the Council. It has delayed by around 12 months. This meant Mr D was caused avoidable time and trouble chasing up the case and making a complaint. The Council has agreed to pay Mr D redress and has issued the review decision.

Cambridge City Council (25 012 406)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 25-May-2026

Summary: Miss X complained the Council delayed in dealing with her homelessness application despite her priority need due to domestic violence. We find the Council at fault for a delay in assessing Miss X’s application. The delay caused Miss X distress and frustration. The Council has agreed to apologise and make a symbolic payment to remedy the injustice caused.