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

Digital Systems Manager

Hyndburn Borough Council
£39,152 – £41,771 per annum
We are seeking a Digital Systems Manager to lead the management, development and optimisation of the Council’s core business systems. Accrington, Lancashire
Recuriter: Hyndburn Borough Council

Digital Infrastructure Manager

Hyndburn Borough Council
£39,152 – £41,771 per annum
We are looking for a Digital Infrastructure Manager to lead the development, security and resilience of the Council’s digital infrastructure. Accrington, Lancashire
Recuriter: Hyndburn Borough Council

Elections Manager

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£55,296 - £60,286 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for an Elections Manager to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Part Time Environmental Health Officer (Food Safety/Health & Safety)

Ribble Valley Borough Council
SO2 (scp 29-32) £39,862 to £42,839 per annum pro rata
Ribble Valley Borough Council is located in the heart of Lancashire. Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

Continuing Healthcare Team Manager

Wakefield Council
£51,356.00 - £54,495.00, Grade 12, 37 hours, Permanent
Make a real difference to people with complex health and social care needs Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner