London Borough of Barking & Dagenham (25 002 702)

Report Upheld Allocations 04-Jun-2026

Summary: We found the Council failed to properly explain to Mr X its decision about his priority banding. The Council failed to inform Mr X of his right to request a review of this decision. It then took too long to re-consider its decision when challenged which was fault. The Council was at fault for not carrying out homeless inquiries when informed Mr X’s property was no longer suitable to occupy. It also delayed carrying out an Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment. This has caused Mr X distress, frustration and uncertainty.

London Borough of Lambeth (24 023 103)

Statement Not upheld Allocations 05-May-2026

Summary: Miss X complains the Council did not complete a housing review properly, causing avoidable distress. The Council is not at fault.

London Borough of Bexley (25 005 486)

Statement Upheld Homelessness 05-May-2026

Summary: Miss X complained about the Council’s failings when making her direct offers of accommodation in 2024. We found fault in the Council’s delay in telling Miss X it would not pursue a Notice to Quit, in its failure to communicate effectively with Miss X and internally and the Council’s record keeping. We also found fault with the Council’s complaint handling. The Council’s fault caused injustice to Miss X. The Council has agreed to apologise and make a payment to recognise Miss X’s distress. The Council has also agreed to review its record keeping and complaint handling.

London Borough of Newham (25 005 753)

Statement Upheld Allocations 05-May-2026

Summary: We have found fault with the Council for how it reached its decision to remove Miss X’s emergency rehousing status. This caused Miss X and her family avoidable distress. The Council has agreed to take action to remedy the injustice caused.

London Borough of Hounslow (25 007 499)

Statement Upheld Allocations 05-May-2026

Summary: Ms Z, on behalf of Mr X, complained the Council failed to provide him with adequate support as a care leaver when offering a housing association property he said he couldn’t afford and failed to offer him a council property despite the care leavers local offer stating it would. The local offer documentation contained misleading information and the claimed enhanced support was not provided causing Mr X to refuse a property and remain without permanent accommodation. To remedy the injustice the Council will review Mr X’s decision to refuse the property taking input from Mr X and his personal advisor.

London Borough of Hackney (25 008 488)

Statement Upheld Allocations 05-May-2026

Summary: Ms X complained the Council delayed sending medical assessment forms and delayed completing the assessment. The process that should have been completed within one month took a year causing uncertainty and anxiety. A symbolic payment is agreed to acknowledge this.

Torbay Council (25 012 256)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Allocations 05-May-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision on Mr Y’s housing priority. There is insufficient evidence of fault to justify an investigation into how the Council reached its decision on Mr Y’s priority.

London Borough of Islington (25 016 802)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Homelessness 05-May-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s assessment of Miss X’s homelessness and housing applications. There is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation.

Halton Borough Council (25 017 688)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Private housing 05-May-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about the Council’s handling of housing disrepair concerns at her property. Parts of the complaint are late and there is insufficient evidence of fault to warrant investigation of the remaining matters.

Westminster City Council (25 009 335)

Statement Upheld Allocations 04-May-2026

Summary: The Council failed to properly consider Mr X’s evidence and Government guidance before refusing his application for a two-bedroom property and delayed considering his review request. That caused Mr X frustration and uncertainty. An apology, payment to Mr X and agreement to reconsider his circumstances, alongside a review of the Council’s allocation scheme and guidance for officers is satisfactory remedy.