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.’
