Wandsworth Council Fined for Disabled Woman's Housing Delay
Ombudsman finds council at fault for failing to provide suitable accommodation for over two years.
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Trust 62: uses an Ombudsman report and specific dates, but lacks named individuals or multiple independent sources.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
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Wandsworth Council has been found at fault by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman for failing to secure suitable alternative accommodation for a disabled resident, referred to as Miss X. The failure to rehouse her lasted for more than two-and-a-half years.
The ombudsman's report stated the council had deemed Miss X's temporary accommodation unsuitable in September 2023. This decision meant the council had an immediate duty to find her a new home, even before a subsequent leak was reported.
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Miss X reported a leak in her property in December 2024. She requested a move due to her disability in February 2025, complaining to the council in March that the leak had left her unable to use her kitchen. The ombudsman noted the issue had a high impact on her over a long time.
Despite council inspections and some repair work, Miss X told the ombudsman the leak remained unresolved. The delays in addressing the leak and finding new housing severely impacted her physical and mental health, according to the report.
In January this year, the council offered Miss X an alternative property. She declined this offer, stating it was unsuitable and unaffordable. The council had not yet resolved the leak by the time of the ombudsman's findings.
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As a result of its failures, Wandsworth Council has agreed to pay Miss X £6,300. The council will also provide her with £350 per month for a maximum of six months, starting from June, or until a suitable property is offered and accepted.
Questions this report answers
+How much will the council pay Miss X for the housing delay?
Wandsworth Council will pay Miss X £6,300 as compensation for the housing delay. They will also provide £350 monthly for up to six months, starting in June, to help cover additional costs while she waits for suitable accommodation.
+Why was the council found at fault by the ombudsman?
The council was found at fault because it failed to secure suitable alternative accommodation for Miss X for over two-and-a-half years. The ombudsman ruled that the council should have acted sooner after deeming her temporary home unsuitable in September 2023.
+What impact did the leak have on Miss X?
The leak left Miss X unable to use her kitchen, severely affecting her physical and mental health over a long period. The ombudsman noted the issue had a high impact on her daily life and well-being.
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