A disabled teenager was left without access to vital medical equipment after a London council failed to act on repeated warnings about unsuitable housing, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has found.
The investigation found that London Borough of Barking and Dagenham left a family in unsuitable accommodation for almost 18 months, despite being told the teenager, who cannot walk, had no room for a wheelchair or mobile hoist.
The council failed to consider whether the family was legally homeless, delayed an occupational therapy assessment by five months, and took eight months to respond to a formal complaint. After major surgery, the teenager had to be moved manually due to lack of space for equipment.
Ombudsman Amerdeep Clarke said the case highlighted clear lessons for councils on homelessness duties and assessment delays. Barking and Dagenham has accepted all recommendations, agreeing to apologise, pay the family £1,200, and improve its processes.
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