Mark Whitehead 01 August 2024

Lewisham apologises over family placed in poor accommodation

Lewisham apologises over family placed in poor accommodation image
Image: Nigel J. Harris/shutterstock.com

Lewisham Council has apologised for placing a family in such poor accommodation that a child had to go to hospital.

The London borough has agreed to pay her more than £14,000 after the local government ombudsman ruled it had handled the mother's case badly.

The ombudsman said the council had failed to properly consider the mother's priority on its housing register for permanent social housing despite the fact that she was disabled and pregnant at the time.

It failed to properly consider her human rights or its duties to her under The Equality Act, the ombudsman said, and did not consider or respond to her concerns about accommodation being close to a perpetrator of domestic abuse towards her.

The family lived in unsuitable accommodation for two years and faced continued instability, with frequent short term moves between multiple bed and breakfasts, often with no notice.

A council spokesman said: 'We have accepted the ombudsman’s recommendations in this case and apologise unreservedly to the resident and her family.

'We expect our housing, whether managed directly by us or leased from the private sector, to be properly maintained, and we are sorry this was not the experience of this family.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Salford Community Leisure
£100k+ (pay award pending)
Salford Community Leisure (SCL) is a community benefit society with charitable status that manages sport, leisure, and cultural services... Salford, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Salford Community Leisure

Assistant Team Manager - Hospital Discharge

Durham County Council
Grade 12 - £44,075 - £48,226
Join us as we strengthen the heart of our hospital’s social work service. We’re seeking a supportive, skilled leader who can guide a dedicated team th Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Customer Service Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 to £31,022 per annum
Are you calm under pressure, enjoy working with people, and thrive in a role where no two days are the same? We’re looking for a confident, approachab Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Apprentice Business Administrator

Durham County Council
£15,434 per annum (£8.00 per hour) NMW
Earn.  Learn.  Qualify. Do you want to earn while you learn? Do you want the opportunity to grow, develop and be the best version of yourself? Then wh Newton Aycliffe
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,796 (pro rata)
Lunchtime Supervisor 2 positions available. Grade 1- £24,796 (pro rata) Permanent- Part time- 8
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner