A victim of domestic violence was forced to endure life on the streets for five weeks after seeking assistance from Waltham Forest Council, as highlighted by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
The individual, who remains unnamed, reached out to the council in January, expressing that he could no longer stay with family members who were mistreating him, according to the report.
In response, the council has promised to compensate him with £1,600 in recognition of the suffering he experienced.
Councillor Ahsan Khan offered an apology, acknowledging the findings of the report and stating that the council would “utilize these insights to enhance the services we offer to residents in the future.”
He remarked that the council recognized it had not met the standards it aspires to maintain.
The Ombudsman’s investigation revealed that assistance was not provided to the man until March, following his representative’s threat of legal action against the council.
Afterward, the council proposed hotel accommodation, but failed to offer an alternative location when the man indicated that his abuser was aware of his whereabouts.
Although the man accepted the hotel stay, a mistake in the council’s booking process resulted in him being homeless once more for an additional three nights, during which he reported being assaulted.
Additionally, the investigation uncovered that the man had requested help from the council to secure his belongings while he was without a home, but he was informed that this would only be feasible with an upfront fee of £500. Unable to pay, he ultimately lost his possessions.
The report concluded that the council neglected to consider his situation appropriately upon his initial request for assistance as a homeless person and did not assess his vulnerability stemming from the domestic abuse he had experienced.
The investigation also criticized the council for a three-month delay in recognizing its obligation to provide housing support.
Amerdeep Somal, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, stated, “Waltham Forest Council failed this individual when he sought their assistance.
“This incident is unacceptable, and I am reassured that the council has acknowledged the seriousness of its mistakes and has accepted the recommendations I proposed.
“I trust that other victims of domestic abuse will receive better treatment in the future.”
The Ombudsman has directed the council to remind staff about housing regulations, particularly for those who may be vulnerable.
Waltham Forest Council informed the Ombudsman that it plans to develop an action plan aimed at reducing delays in addressing its primary housing responsibilities toward local individuals.
Additionally, it will review its policies regarding the safeguarding of homeless individuals’ belongings to ensure compliance with legal standards.
