Ellie Ames 13 May 2024

Tower Hamlets apologises after ‘gatekeeping’ finding

Tower Hamlets apologises after ‘gatekeeping’ finding image
Image: Tower Hamlets Council

Tower Hamlets did not do enough to help a family threatened with eviction, an ombudsman has found.

The family contacted the London borough council for help in November 2021 after receiving a section 21 eviction notice, which gave them two months to leave their accommodation.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman said Tower Hamlets failed to provide interim accommodation, and later did not make proper enquiries before deciding the family was not in priority need and delayed in deciding whether it owed them a main housing duty.

The family said they suffered months of uncertainty. They were eventually evicted by bailiffs and then spent several months in bed and breakfast accommodation.

Ombudsman Amerdeep Somal said: ‘This case clearly demonstrates how vital it is for councils to follow the correct process at the earliest opportunity to achieve the best possible outcome for vulnerable families at risk of losing their homes.

‘Instead, Tower Hamlets relied on gatekeeping their services – and not acting until the family’s situation was desperate.’

The council apologised and will pay the family £1,355 for the uncertainty, worry and avoidable costs incurred.

A council spokesperson said: ‘These findings came at a time when we were facing unprecedented demand for housing and homelessness services.

‘Our team is working hard to improve and already acting on the report’s recommendations.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Early Help Family Practitioner - 12 month FTC

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£39150.00 - £42861.00 per annum
Be the support that helps families find their strength and move forward.Be the support that helps families find their strength and move forward. As England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development

Swansea Council
£73,908 - £85,884
As Head of HR and OD Swansea (Abertawe)
Recuriter: Swansea Council

Early Help Practitioner

Durham County Council
Grade 6, £28,142 - £31,022 per annum
Durham County Council are on a continuous improvement journey in relation to its Early Help service. We are one of 75 Local Authorities who are part o Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Legal Clerical Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,403 to £28,598 p.a. (Grade 5)
A vacancy has arisen within Business Services for a full time, permanent Legal Clerical Assistant to provide legal clerical support to solicitors and Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Practice Coordinator

Durham County Council
Grade 13 - £47,181 - £51,356
Do you love supporting practitioners to bring their best selves to their work? We are looking for a Practice Coordinator to support our Social Worker Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner