William Eichler 12 July 2024

Tower Hamlets Council apologises for housing backlog

Tower Hamlets Council apologises for housing backlog image
Image: chrisdorney / Shutterstock.com.

Tower Hamlets Council has agreed to review the way it allocates properties after an investigation revealed the council had a long backlog in processing applications to join its housing register.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman uncovered the backlog while investigating how the council handled an application to be put on the housing register from a local resident.

The borough rejected the woman’s application on the basis that she had not lived in the area long enough but agreed to reconsider on medical grounds after the applicant complained.

The local authority subsequently awarded her a priority band 2B but failed to tell her of her right to seek a review of the decision.

The Ombudsman criticised the council for taking six months to consider the application when the Ombudsman recommends it should have been decided in eight weeks.

A Tower Hamlets Council spokesperson said: ‘We fully accept the report and its findings, and we apologise to Miss X for the upset caused by delays in processing her Housing Register application and initial banding placement.’

To find out more about what local government stakeholders want from the new government, check out our guide, Transforming Local Government: A Strategic Guide for Labour. Download your complimentary copy now!

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner