Tower Hamlets Council has apologised after it left a vulnerable man with significant care needs unsupported when he was made homeless.
The man, who has disabilities and complex health needs, told the council he was being made homeless and subsequently received a care package.
However, an investigation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found no evidence the adult social care team had liaised with the housing team while preparing the package.
As a result of this lack of joined-up support, the man spent several weeks sleeping in his car before eventually ending up in hospital.
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, Ms Amerdeep Somal, said: ‘This case is an awful example of the dire consequences of council departments not working together properly to support the most vulnerable members of their communities.’
Responding to the Ombudsman’s report, a Tower Hamlets Council spokesperson said the council accepted the findings and apologised.
They added: ‘These findings came at a time when we were facing unprecedented demand for housing and homelessness services. This is not an excuse, we can and will do better to provide services to people who are homeless with complex care needs.’
