Domestic abuse accommodation support
Domestic abuse survivors frequently not receiving adequate accommodation support from local authorities, despite statutory duties.
1,072 items
12 sources
2 inquiries
Source spread
Where this theme appears
Domestic abuse accommodation support has been flagged across 12 independent accountability sources:
2 inquiry recs
22 PFD reports
52 committee recs
5 HMICFRS recs
1 ICIBI rec
1 PPO rec
18 IOPC recs
1 NAO rec
41 IMB recs
1 PHSO decision
926 LGO/SPSO decisions
When the same issue appears across inquiries, coroner reports, and regulators independently, it indicates a recurring issue across the public record.
Browse by source
Source-grouped records are useful for tracing where a concern came from. Large sections show the 50 strongest matches for that source; counts still show the full theme total.
Inquiry Recommendations (2)
SP25 — Operation Encompass cross-border extension
Recommendation: Lancashire Constabulary should consider extending Operation Encompass to share automatically relevant information with schools in bordering areas. The Department for Education should consider national implementation. This is because children will not necessarily attend school in the same police force area …
Response Pending
P2-51 — Arrange emergency temporary accommodation provision
Recommendation: That all local authorities make such arrangements as are reasonably practicable for enabling them to place people in temporary accommodation at short notice and in ways that meet their personal, religious and cultural requirements. Such arrangements should, as far as …
Gov response: The government supports this recommendation made towards local authorities. Local authorities already have a legal obligation under the Housing Act 1996 to re-house people displaced by an emergency. This duty will be highlighted in guidance …
Accepted
In progress
PFD Reports (22)
Stephen Tilbury
Concerns: Excessive vehicle speed in a residential area, despite an existing trief curb, poses a significant risk as the curb can deflect speeding vehicles onto the pavement. Physical speed reduction measures are needed.
Overdue
Kamrul Rubel
Concerns: The gym did not enforce the use of the emergency stop cord despite providing advice, raising concerns about adherence to safety protocols for gym equipment.
Overdue
Steven Billington
Concerns: No specific concerns are detailed in the provided text.
Response (S Billington): The Minister offers condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Billington.
Response (Department for Communities and Local Government): The Department acknowledges the report and notes that current guidance requires isolators for fire alarm systems to be secured against unauthorised tampering, and suggests the system in question may have …
Responded
Vadims Aleksejevs
Concerns: There is a lack of clarity on whether adult social care or addiction services provide outreach to vulnerable homeless individuals on campsites, and an unclear statutory duty to house them.
Response (Vadims ALEKSEJEVS): Northampton Borough Council outlines its existing strategy to tackle homelessness, including borough-wide rough sleeper counts, street outreach workers, a 3-year strategy, and the opening of an all-year-round Nightshelter.
Overdue
Donna Williamson
Concerns: The report identifies failures in repairing and securing a door, informing the victim of the suspect's release on bail, and the MARAC process's inability to protect chaotic, non-engaging individuals, alongside concerns about GPs' knowledge of disclosing confidential information.
Response: The Royal College of General Practitioners highlights existing guidance on information sharing and safeguarding, and the LGA has highlighted the importance of learning from Domestic Homicide Reviews at a national …
Overdue
Georgia Nelson
Concerns: There is a lack of suitable housing specifically for young patients with severe and enduring mental health issues.
Response (RBKC): RBKC and partner agencies are working together to identify ongoing needs and service developments arising from the closure of rehabilitation inpatient beds at Horton, including a potential local 'wrap around …
Response (CNWL NHS Trust): CNWL acknowledges the concerns raised and states that as discharge planning starts at admission, they will follow new NICE guidance on considering rehabilitation as appropriate. They offer a range of …
Responded
Matthew Jones
Concerns: A lack of appropriate training for mental health clinicians resulted in poor understanding of non-compliance risks with treatment orders and inadequate multi-agency coordination. Housing was also overlooked in discharge planning.
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the concerns around coordinated, multi-agency working for patients on Community Treatment Orders, and refers to existing NICE and Mental Health Act guidance. …
Responded
Alex Malcolm
Concerns: Insufficient Approved Premises, delays in making MARACs statutory, and difficulties recruiting probation officers due to low pay are systemic issues hindering efforts to prevent future deaths.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): HMPPS introduced a new pay structure in April 2018 for the National Probation Service, including a two-year pensionable pay award and a London Allowance and Market Forces Allowance to address …
Overdue
Kelly Sutton
Concerns: Valuable non-crime domestic abuse information is fragmented and not available as a national police resource, hindering effective safeguarding of potential victims.
Response (Hertfordshire Constabulary): Hertfordshire Constabulary has implemented the Athena system for accessing intelligence and crime records across forces, and highlights the ongoing development of the national Law Enforcement Data Service (LEDS) to improve …
Responded
Avis Addison
Concerns: Concerns about ensuring GP practices have robust domestic violence and safeguarding policies/training, and implementing "early warning systems" for suspicious missed appointments or uncollected prescriptions.
Response (CQC): Following the regulation 28 notice, CQC contacted the registered person of the GP practice, and were assured about the management of safeguarding and vulnerable patients; learning from the inquest will …
Responded
Daphne Holloway and Ivy Spriggs
Concerns: Sprinkler systems are not mandatory for care homes with residents of limited mobility, and these buildings aren't classified as 'Higher Risk Buildings' based on occupant vulnerability, leaving them at elevated fire risk.
Overdue
Saima Usman
Concerns: Privately rented accommodation in Wandsworth is at increased fire and CO risk due to the lack of mandatory smoke/CO detectors, as the borough has no registered landlord scheme or enforcement powers.
Overdue
Aliny Godinho
Concerns: Ongoing risks exist due to delayed training for Domestic Abuse Team staff and supervisors on updated policies. There is also no system for effective supervisory review of initial risk assessments and safeguarding plans.
Response (NPCC and College of Policing): The NPCC and College of Policing emphasize an individual needs approach to domestic abuse victims, with a focus on professional curiosity, cultural competence, and improving risk assessment. Training, guidelines and …
Overdue
REDACTED
Concerns: The deceased's general practitioner was not invited to MARAC meetings, nor informed of domestic violence allegations or care proceedings, hindering effective mental health treatment.
Overdue
David Hall
Concerns: A lack of available and suitable emergency social care placements forced a patient into a detrimental acute hospital stay, leading to rapid deterioration, highlighting systemic social care shortages.
Response (Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council): The Council provides a summary of Adult Social Care involvement prior to Mr. Hall's admission and highlights existing procedures and challenges in the social care market, including working with the …
Responded
Kellie Sutton
Concerns: Police lacked understanding of coercive control and its link to suicide, alongside insufficient knowledge of when and how to apply for Domestic Violence Protection Notices.
Response (Hertfordshire Constabulary): Hertfordshire Constabulary details a range of training delivered since 2016 relating to domestic abuse, coercive control and stalking. Future plans include delivering interactive training exercises, rolling out lived experience sessions …
Responded
Luke Brooks
Response (North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust): North West Ambulance Service has revised its 111 policy to remove exclusions for self-conveyance to hospital, save for Category 1 incidents, and to directly confirm patient refusal of an ambulance …
Response (Department for Levelling up Housing and Communities): The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will pilot measures to improve enforcement of damp and mould with £10m funding and intends to introduce the Decent Homes Standard to …
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): The Department of Health and Social Care states that NHS England has confirmed with ambulance trusts that no blanket policies are in place advising patients with chest pain not to …
Responded
Lee-Ann Ince
Concerns: Agencies supporting the victim lacked understanding of coercive control and the impact of "love bombing." Children's concerns were overlooked, and the victim's physical health vulnerability was not recognised, increasing her risk.
Response (Greater Manchester Integrated Care): NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care (NHS GM) and partners will translate recommendations into tangible actions, and the Community Safety Partnership Board will retain local governance to ensure actions are met …
Response (Greater Manchester Integrated Care): Trafford Council and NHS GM are planning specialist training on the Care Act & Domestic Abuse, and a dedicated task & finish group to develop their approach to supporting victims …
Responded
Kirsten Hocking
Concerns: There is a critical lack of specialist rehabilitation accommodation for women at high risk of self-harm, leading to ineffective post-release support. Probation officers also lack sufficient understanding of available housing options and appropriate release planning.
Response (Steps2Recovery): Steps2Recovery has implemented several measures including clarity in communication, improved referrals, reconsideration policies, leadership experience, policy reviews, staff training, and enhancements to its case management system.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): The Probation Service is promoting community disposals and engaging with regional female leads to promote Approved Premises placements for women with complex needs; Female AP briefings for practitioners will emphasize …
Overdue
Wessam al Jundi
Concerns: Workers fabricating artificial stone are exposed to unsafe conditions with inadequate dust suppression and PPE, causing rapid onset of untreatable silicosis. Current surveillance is insufficient for this accelerated disease, risking future deaths.
Response (Health and Safety Executive): The HSE is publishing further guidance, aimed at installers, their managers and supervisors to remind them of the steps they must take to control the exposure risk. They are also …
Response (Agglomerated Stone Manufacturers Association): The Agglomerated Stone Manufacturers Association highlights existing efforts to promote safety and calls for governmental involvement, suggesting clear rules and/or a licensing program for fabricators.
Response (Worktop Fabricators Federation): The Worktop Fabricators Federation provides a 'state of the art' positioning statement on silica dust risks associated with quartz worktops, highlighting the need for safe working environments and suggesting potential …
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): DHSC states that they have no comments or suggestions and that responsibility for the Coroner's concerns sits with HSE.
Response (MHCLG): MHCLG is requesting an extension and states that the concerns fall within the remit of the HSE, offering to provide a formal response explaining the limitations of MHCLG's policy remit.
Responded
Emma Turner
Concerns: Poor information sharing and lack of system connectivity between agencies hindered care for a vulnerable adult. The GP safeguarding referral form was inadequate, causing delays in response.
Response (Derby City Council): • A single Safeguarding Adults Referral Form has been developed and implemented for use across Derby City and Derbyshire County. • Guidance to support people with understanding safeguarding and making …
Overdue
Paul Hutchinson
Concerns: Fire safety regulations may not specifically address individual flats within Extra Care Supported Accommodation (ECSA), potentially leaving vulnerable residents at risk due to a lack of standardised staff training and comprehensive fire risk assessments.
Pending
Committee Recommendations (52) — showing 50 strongest matches
#20 —
Recommendation: We asked the Department how it ensured that its approach to monitoring child maintenance cases was properly identifying and addressing cases of domestic abuse and coercive control, rather than waiting to be alerted through non-payment or through the receiving parent …
Gov response: 3. PAC recommendation: The Department should, as part of its Treasury Minute response, outline how it will identify cases which potentially involve domestic abuse or coercive control and adapt its services and communications in response. …
Accepted
#19 —
Recommendation: Parents can use the child maintenance system to continue to abuse their former partners, for example by withholding payments or access to children. Written evidence from Gingerbread and the Domestic Abuse Commissioner set out that, for survivors of domestic abuse, …
Gov response: 3. PAC recommendation: The Department should, as part of its Treasury Minute response, outline how it will identify cases which potentially involve domestic abuse or coercive control and adapt its services and communications in response. …
Accepted
#12 — Domestic abuse survivors frequently lack adequate accommodation support despite statutory local authority duties.
Recommendation: The Committee is aware of examples where domestic abuse survivors did not receive adequate support. Examples shared during our evidence session included women turning to an MP’s advice surgery for support having struggled to be rehomed despite engaging with the …
Gov response: 2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 2.2 Through ministerially chaired VAWG thematic roundtables with sector experts, delivery partners, academics, policing, local practitioners and government departments, and regular stakeholder meetings held by …
Accepted
#3 —
Recommendation: We heard worrying evidence about the impact of the NRPF condition on survivors of domestic violence, including children. We are pleased that the Government has launched the Support for Migrant Victims Scheme pilot, in addition to the support offered through …
Gov response: The Government is committed to supporting all victims of domestic abuse. Anyone who has suffered domestic abuse must be treated as a victim first and foremost, regardless of immigration status. Support is already provided to …
Under Consideration
#21 —
Recommendation: The Department told us that it provided specific training for staff to identify domestic abuse and coercive control, and that it could put in place controls to avoid contact with the paying parent (such as non-geographic bank accounts). It explained …
Gov response: 3. PAC recommendation: The Department should, as part of its Treasury Minute response, outline how it will identify cases which potentially involve domestic abuse or coercive control and adapt its services and communications in response. …
Accepted
#18 —
Recommendation: The Department designed the current child maintenance system to emphasise collaboration between parents, with the CMS available as a voluntary safety net for those separated parents to choose to use if they decide to.31 Written evidence from the Domestic Abuse …
Gov response: 3. PAC recommendation: The Department should, as part of its Treasury Minute response, outline how it will identify cases which potentially involve domestic abuse or coercive control and adapt its services and communications in response. …
Accepted
#3 —
Recommendation: The Department’s system of child maintenance is not designed to protect those subject to domestic abuse or coercive control. The Department designed the current child maintenance system to emphasise collaboration between parents, with the CMS available as a voluntary safety …
Gov response: The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented The department already has robust processes in place for identifying victims of domestic abuse and ensuring they receive the right support. The department has call scripts …
Accepted
#3 —
Recommendation: It is egregious that organisations with no expertise are able to target survivors of domestic abuse and their children and provide neither specialist support nor an appropriate or safe environment. Where a prospective resident of exempt accommodation is a survivor …
Gov response: 16. It is indeed egregious that organisations with no expertise can target survivors of domestic abuse. That is why we introduced fully funded duties on local authorities within the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 for the …
Under Consideration
#16 — Add 'victims of domestic abuse' category to Universal Credit Additional Support Area.
Recommendation: We heard in evidence that when using the ‘Additional Support Area’ in Universal Credit, DWP officials are able to record support needs under the following eight categories: care leavers; armed forces; ex-offender; homeless or risk of homelessness; limited digital ability …
Gov response: DWP will continue to explore further opportunities to strengthen its partnership with the National Network for Safeguarding Adults Board Chairs and enhance the Department’s contribution at both local and national levels. DWP currently has active …
Under Consideration
#9 —
Recommendation: The design of Universal Credit creates risks for women’s financial independence, which can have severe consequences for women in abusive relationships. These risks have been heightened over the pandemic as other opportunities for economic support have been limited. They now …
Gov response: supported by resources such as the District Provision Tool and Complex Needs Toolkits, both of which are resources that allow work coaches (and other frontline staff) to identify and signpost to local services offering the …
Under Consideration
#11 —
Recommendation: We call on the Government to return to the spirit of the early pandemic and re- commit to Everyone In. This requires providing legal clarity for local authorities. We recommend the Government immediately issues clear guidance to local authorities stating …
Gov response: This Department has and continues to work with local authorities regarding support that can be offered to those individuals ineligible for statutory homelessness support under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996. This includes those …
Under Consideration
#29 —
Recommendation: We welcome the decision to remove the £100,000 cap. However, we regret that it was ever necessary for a victim of domestic violence to have litigate to obtain legal aid because of the Government’s failure to ensure that the means …
Gov response: We are aware that it has been some years since different elements of the means test have been uprated, which is why the Government launched the Means Test Review. The government is clear that victims …
Not Addressed
#4 —
Recommendation: We recommend the Government ensures the Support for Migrant Victims Scheme is evaluated swiftly and consequential policy decisions are made quickly. The pilot must be fully rolled out or alternative measures put in place immediately to ensure that survivors of …
Gov response: The Government is committed to supporting all victims of domestic abuse. Anyone who has suffered domestic abuse must be treated as a victim first and foremost, regardless of immigration status. Support is already provided to …
Partially Accepted
#25 — Collect and Pay fees remain unjustified for child maintenance cases involving domestic abuse
Recommendation: It is particularly difficult to understand how fees, intended to incentivise the use of Direct Pay, can be justified in cases where the Department appears to have accepted such arrangements are not appropriate, such as in cases of domestic abuse. …
Gov response: The Government takes the issue of domestic abuse extremely seriously and is committed to ensuring survivors of abuse get the help and support they need to use the CMS safely. Domestic abuse is not necessarily …
Under Consideration
#12 — Set out intended timetable for commencing provisions of Child Support Collection (Domestic Abuse) Bill.
Recommendation: We strongly support the aims of the Child Support Collection (Domestic Abuse) Bill, which would allow domestic abuse cases to skip Direct Pay and move straight to Collect and Pay. We welcome the Government’s support for that legislation. In response …
Gov response: This Government takes the issue of domestic abuse extremely seriously and works hard to ensure victims of domestic abuse can use its services. This includes ensuring the CMS is equipped to help parents set up …
Not Addressed
#11 — Provide a detailed timetable for implementing recommendations from domestic abuse review work.
Recommendation: We thank Dr Samantha Callan for her independent and detailed report on the Child Maintenance Service’s response to domestic abuse and we welcome the broadly positive approach the Government has taken in its response to that review, accepting most of …
Gov response: This Government takes the issue of domestic abuse extremely seriously and works hard to ensure victims of domestic abuse can use its services. This includes ensuring the CMS is equipped to help parents set up …
Not Addressed
#10 — Require local authorities to consult domestic abuse charities on FGDM decisions involving abuse.
Recommendation: We consider that local authorities should draw on the advice of specialist domestic abuse charities in coming to a decision on whether FGDM is in the child’s best interests where domestic abuse has occurred. (Conclusion, Paragraph 41)
Gov response: Government response to Conclusion nine: Identifying and managing risks is vital in safely conducting FGDM. Further support on safeguarding and managing risks within the FGDM process, including risks related to domestic abuse, will be provided …
Accepted
#27 — Pathfinder scheme pilots show improved experiences for domestic abuse victims and reduced case durations.
Recommendation: MoJ told us that it has been piloting a new model for private law through the ‘Pathfinder’ scheme, the aim of which was to improve experience for victims of domestic abuse by taking a whole system approach to improving services. …
Gov response: MoJ told us that it has been piloting a new model for private law through the ‘Pathfinder’ scheme, the aim of which was to improve experience for victims of domestic abuse by taking a whole …
No Published Response
#18 —
Recommendation: It is apparent that accommodation is a significant problem for some children being release from custody. It is unacceptable that a child should not know until the day of their release where they will live the day after. We agree …
Gov response: The MoJ acknowledges the importance of suitable and stable accommodation, and accommodation secured sufficiently in advance prior to release for children and young people leaving custody. Suitable accommodation is one of the foundations of a …
Under Consideration
#10 —
Recommendation: Tackling rough sleeping on its own without addressing homelessness as a whole may even worsen other measures of homelessness, if it means only placing more people in temporary accommodation, thereby adding to the number of homeless households.29 Baroness Casey told …
Under Consideration
#18 —
Recommendation: The Government is in danger of breaking its pledge that no one should lose their home as a result of the pandemic. We have seen no satisfactory evidence for why the Government changed the definition of substantial rent arrears to …
Gov response: Protecting renters from eviction The Government has introduced an unprecedented set of measures to prevent people from losing their homes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures taken included a six month stay on …
Under Consideration
#10 —
Recommendation: Everyone In by definition has finished. The Government believes Everyone In continues to exist, but by its own admission it is no longer helping everyone. The principle of Everyone In was that everyone, no matter what their normal eligibility for …
Under Consideration
#5 —
Recommendation: The Government will eventually have to come up with a policy response, because it cannot keep extending the evictions ban forever more.
Gov response: Protecting renters from eviction The Government has introduced an unprecedented set of measures to prevent people from losing their homes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures taken included a six month stay on …
Under Consideration
#26 — Strong support for named caseworkers to improve CMS customer service outcomes
Recommendation: We strongly support the Child Maintenance Service’s plans to move to having a named caseworker, initially for customers in abusive situations before eventually being rolled out to all customers. The experience of having to recount one’s story multiple times was …
Gov response: The Department has accepted 8 recommendations from The Independent Review of the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) response to Domestic Abuse. Subsequently, in response to Recommendation 4, the Department has commenced a pilot on complex cases …
Accepted
#4 — Require Government to set out plans improving effectiveness and speed of child maintenance enforcement
Recommendation: For many receiving parents child maintenance payments are vital to avoiding or at least stymying the effects of hardship but enforcement is currently slow and often ineffective. We have heard that, while enforcement on Collect and Pay has improved, for …
Gov response: We know the vast majority of paying parents want to do the right thing and support their children, but the Government shares the Committee’s view that effective enforcement should be a key priority for those …
Accepted
#17 —
Recommendation: The ministry must update the statutory guidance to make clear that placing families in accommodation where the need to share facilities with single male adults is not suitable and should work with councils to bring such placements to an end. …
Response Pending
#16 —
Recommendation: We remain concerned that there is no explicit rule to prevent or restrict councils from housing families, including single mothers with children, in accommodation where they need to share facilities with single male adults. (Conclusion, Paragraph 55)
Response Pending
#9 —
Recommendation: We are deeply concerned about the lack of space provided to some families living in temporary accommodation and the potentially harmful effects this can have on children’s safety, wellbeing and development. The standards used to determine if homes are statutorily …
Response Pending
#14 —
Recommendation: No formal review of the Government’s manifesto commitment to end rough sleeping has yet happened, due to the pandemic. We recommend the Government appoints a successor to Baroness Casey within the coming months to lead the review. This important work …
Gov response: When the pandemic began in March 2020, Baroness Casey volunteered to lead the government’s response to keep rough sleepers safe and subsequently led the COVID-19 Rough Sleeping Taskforce to deliver the next steps following the …
Under Consideration
#13 —
Recommendation: We recommend that the Government creates a cross-Government task force to resolve the conflict between the commitment to end rough sleeping and the current policy on the no recourse to public funds condition. This will require collecting data on the …
Gov response: The Government is committed to ending rough sleeping. The Department will be working with partners across Government, including the Home Office, to build on recent progress and consider what more needs to be done to …
Under Consideration
#12 —
Recommendation: No recourse to public funds has been an obstacle to reducing rough sleeping for a long time: the pandemic has just shone a spotlight on its impact. If the Government is serious about meeting its manifesto commitment to end rough …
Gov response: The Government is committed to ending rough sleeping. The Department will be working with partners across Government, including the Home Office, to build on recent progress and consider what more needs to be done to …
Under Consideration
#1 —
Recommendation: We recognise the enormous success of the early stages of the Everyone In programme, made possible through cross-sector collaboration, substantial funding, and joint working towards a clear goal.
Gov response: We recognise the enormous success of the early stages of the Everyone In programme, made possible through cross-sector collaboration, substantial funding, and joint working towards a clear goal.
Under Consideration
#2 —
Recommendation: The Department has displayed insufficient curiosity around the needs of some of the most vulnerable separated families and their children. Take-up of the Department’s CMS scheme is substantially lower than it expected. An estimated 18% of separated families used the …
Gov response: The government disagrees with the recommendation. Improvements have already been made to the collection of diversity information via the online application process. Customer surveys can be undertaken in languages other than English, and the department …
Not Accepted
#1 — Committee welcomes new Child Support Bills for domestic abuse and enforcement improvements
Recommendation: We welcome the Child Support Collection (Domestic Abuse) Bill and the Child Support (Enforcement) Bill and their aims. We provide information later in this Report on how these pieces of legislation will help improve the effectiveness of the Child Maintenance …
Gov response: We know the vast majority of paying parents want to do the right thing and support their children, but the Government shares the Committee’s view that effective enforcement should be a key priority for those …
Accepted
#16 — Require Sentencing Council to include motivations of honour as an aggravating factor in domestic abuse guideline
Recommendation: It is reassuring to hear judges have robustly rejected any attempts to use ‘honour’ to reduce a sentence. Explicitly recognising so-called honour in sentencing guidelines would go further; it would strengthen the understanding that honour-based abuse is taken seriously by …
Gov response: As recognised by the Committee, the ‘domestic abuse overarching guideline’ makes clear that HBA is a form of domestic abuse. This makes the offending more serious because it represents a violation of the trust and …
Not Addressed
#14 — Reconsider Istanbul Convention Article 59 reservation and extend migrant victim support eligibility
Recommendation: The Support for Migrant Victims Scheme pilot has been valuable and we welcome its extension to 2025. However, there are shortfalls in funding to support victims with no recourse to public funds. We are concerned this is aggravated by the …
Gov response: We are carefully considering the findings of the Support for Migrant Victims Scheme pilot evaluation. Once we have considered all the evidence in the round, we will communicate our decision on the Article 59 reservation. …
Not Addressed
#11 — Establish a robust firewall between police and Home Office on victim immigration data sharing
Recommendation: The Government should establish an appropriate firewall-type mechanism between the police and the Home Office to prevent data sharing for the purposes of enforcing immigration rules against victims of abuse. The firewall should be designed to ensure the police only …
Gov response: The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 permits the Home Office to share and receive information, including with public authorities and law enforcement partners for the purpose of crime prevention, detection and effective immigration control, respectively. …
Not Accepted
#10 — Current Migrant Victims Protocol insufficient to protect victims with insecure immigration status
Recommendation: Abusers use the insecure immigration status of their victims to deter and prevent them from seeking support, exploiting fears that reporting abuse to the police will lead to action against the victim by Immigration Enforcement. We are not satisfied that …
Gov response: We recognise that men can also be victims of these crimes and are committed to ensuring that all victims and survivors of HBA receive the support they deserve. Both the cross-Government Tackling Violence Against Women …
Under Consideration
#27 — DfE conducts extensive early intervention and increases funding for family domestic abuse support.
Recommendation: We asked DfE what work it was doing to protect children and young people as well as prevent them from becoming perpetrators in the future. DfE told us it was doing a lot work through early interventions of family support …
Gov response: 6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: September 2025 6.2 The new VAWG Strategy will place prevention at the very heart of the government’s approach to halving VAWG in a decade. …
Not Addressed
#15 —
Recommendation: The ministry must require councils to report publicly on the length of time households remain in such facilities and justify any decision to keep households in these facilities beyond six-weeks. By the end of this year, the ministry must publish …
Response Pending
#14 —
Recommendation: We reiterate our earlier recommendation that the ministry must amend the definition of B&B accommodation in the Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2003 to restrict the placement of families in other types of accommodation with shared facilities to a …
Response Pending
#13 —
Recommendation: We remain concerned that the definition of B&B in the Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2003 does not prevent families being placed in similar accommodation, without any restrictions on the time local authorities can house them there. We recognise …
Response Pending
#1 —
Recommendation: On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Home Office (the Department) about asylum accommodation and support services in the UK.2
Gov response: Based on a report by the National Audit Office, the Committee took evidence on 1 October 2020 from the Home Office. The Committee published its report on 20 November 2020. This is the Government response …
Not Addressed
#19 —
Recommendation: We call on the Government to publish a proper exit plan for the private rented sector from national and local restrictions. The Government has tinkered regularly with the eviction framework, usually at the very last minute. Now the Government has …
Gov response: Protecting renters from eviction The Government has introduced an unprecedented set of measures to prevent people from losing their homes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures taken included a six month stay on …
Under Consideration
#4 —
Recommendation: We call on the Government to publish an exit plan for the private rented sector from national and local restrictions. Now the Government has published its roadmap for how to exit national restrictions, hopefully for the final time, it should …
Gov response: Protecting renters from eviction The Government has introduced an unprecedented set of measures to prevent people from losing their homes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures taken included a six month stay on …
Under Consideration
#12 —
Recommendation: The Department also told us about some other cross government work it is involved in, including working with the Department for Levelling up, Housing & Communities to avoid benefit recipients paying higher rents for poorer-quality accommodation in the private rented …
Gov response: 6. PAC conclusion: Many claimants have complex barriers that prevent them from finding work, and some of these barriers may be better addressed through other means than an employment support scheme such as Restart. 6. …
Accepted
#6 — Include specific questions on honour-based abuse within the Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment tool
Recommendation: The Government must include specific questions on honour-based abuse in the Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment tool to help both victims and police officers identify risks confidently and accurately.
Gov response: The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that professionals recognise and understand HBA. There is a clear non-statutory definition which both the Home Office and the CPS already use: “an incident or crime involving violence, …
Under Consideration
#79 — Increase safe accommodation provision for trafficking victims through Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract.
Recommendation: We recommend that the Government increases the provision of safe accommodation available through the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract for trafficking victims, including single-sex provision, while they await a National Referral Mechanism decision.
Gov response: The Government remains committed to ensuring all potential and confirmed victims of modern slavery have secure and appropriate accommodation when they enter National Referral Mechanism (NRM) support. The Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract (MSVCC) manages …
Not Addressed
#26 —
Recommendation: We reiterate our offer to conduct pre-legislative scrutiny of the Renters’ Reform Bill, should the Government choose to publish the Bill in draft. (Paragraph 99) 40 Protecting the homeless and the private rented sector: MHCLG’s response to Covid-19
Gov response: As set out in the 2021 Queen’s Speech, the Government is committed to delivering a Better Deal for Renters, including abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions to improve security for tenants, as well as strengthening …
Under Consideration
#34 —
Recommendation: Integration strategies should seek to integrate not just health and care but health, care and housing. Ensuring there is holistic care that fits around a person’s needs includes preventing care needs from arising by having suitable housing, enabling people to …
Gov response: The government agrees that ensuring there is holistic care that fits around people’s needs includes ensuring that people receive the right care and support, and can maintain healthy independent living, beginning with where they live, …
Not Addressed
HMICFRS Recommendations (5)
Safe to share? Liberty and Southall Black Sisters' super-complaint on policing and …
Immediately stop sharing information on domestic abuse victims with Immigration Enforcement as interim measure
Recommendation
PEEL 2021-22 CoC Recommendations: Wiltshire Police
Cause of concern: The force does not protect vulnerable people from harm to an acceptable standard. Recommendation: Wiltshire Police should, within three months, make sure that:- multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARACs) are focused on actions to reduce risk
Recommendation
A duty to protect: Police use of protective measures in cases involving …
Review mechanism for informing police of NMOs and propose remedies for improvement
Recommendation
A duty to protect: Police use of protective measures in cases involving …
Accelerate consideration of creating bespoke offence of breaching pre-charge bail
Recommendation
A duty to protect: Police use of protective measures in cases involving …
Commission research on whether bail reduces re-offending and protects victims
Recommendation
ICIBI Immigration Recommendations (1)
PPO Death in Custody Recommendations (1)
IOPC Learning Recommendations (18)
Police contact with a man and a woman before he murdered her …
Domestic Violence (DV) and stalking training should be made mandatory for all police officers and staff who may be needed to make an assessment in this regard, and there should be regular refresher training concerning the identification of such issues …
Recommendation - Kent Police, February 2021
The IOPC recommends that Kent Police reviews its domestic abuse policy and includes clear guidance for officers dealing with cases where they are informed by the victim of the perpetrators suicidal threats or ideation. The guidance should detail how officers …
Recommendation - Humberside Police, February 2021
The IOPC recommends that Humberside Police reviews its domestic abuse policy and includes clear guidance for officers dealing with cases where they are informed by the victim of the perpetrators suicidal threats or ideation. The guidance should detail how officers …
Police contact with woman prior to her death - Metropolitan Police Service, …
The IOPC recommends that the MPS domestic abuse policy is updated to reflect the national College of Policing APP guidance which suggests when investigating a domestic incident where counter allegations are made risk assessments should be conducted for both parties. …
Recommendation - Avon and Somerset Police, March 2025
The IOPC recommends that Avon and Somerset Police implement a dynamic triaging process for Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) applications. This will establish the level of risk for the applicant throughout the process and prioritise those with a higher level …
Police contact with woman before being murdered by ex-partner – West Yorkshire …
The IOPC recommends that a system is put in place to track domestic abuse cases that are returned to officers because the minimum standards of investigation were not met. This system should ensure that cases are progressed with appropriate supervision …
Police contact with woman before being murdered by ex-partner – West Yorkshire …
The IOPC recommends that West Yorkshire Police reminds all officers and police staff that intelligence gained from incident reports should be uploaded to individual Niche intelligence profiles at the earliest opportunity. An IOPC investigation identified that significant intelligence relating to …
Recommendation - Home Office, September 2024
The IOPC recommends that the Home Office amends its Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) statutory guidance to advise police forces to triage DVDS applications in a risk-based approach. It is suggested the guidance can be amended to instruct police forces …
Recommendations - Sussex Police, September 2024
The IOPC recommends that Sussex Police should amend their policies, training and practices around policing and safeguarding victims of domestic abuse to reflect the escalating risk if there are multiple domestic abuse incidents in a short period. Should officers attend …
Recommendations - Sussex Police, September 2024
The IOPC recommends that Sussex Police should amend training, guidance and practices around policing and safeguarding victims of domestic abuse to reflect the risk to a domestic abuse victim will likely be increased if the victim has any additional vulnerabilities …
Recommendations - Sussex Police, September 2024
The IOPC recommends that Sussex Police should amend their training, guidance and practices around policing and safeguarding victims of domestic abuse to reflect the increased risk to those experiencing domestic abuse when a suspect is known to be a serial …
National recommendation - The College of Policing, June 2021
The IOPC recommends that the College of Policing explores potential opportunities to support forces in managing the risk posed by perpetrators of domestic abuse (to either victims, others or themselves) who express credible suicidal threats or ideation. When completing a …
Investigation into police contact with a woman and man between 2016 and …
Where there is a volume of calls and incidents alleging domestic abuse, and it is unclear as to the the extent of abuse and the identity of all parties, this should be flagged for further investigation and analysis by a …
Investigation into the West Yorkshire Police response to reports of injuries to …
The IOPC recommends that West Yorkshire Police (WYP) remind all WYP control room staff of the importance of protecting vulnerable victims of domestic abuse by consistent and effective use of the THRIVE process, to include a review of their THRIVE …
Police contact with woman before being murdered by ex-partner – West Yorkshire …
The IOPC recommends that West Yorkshire Police remind officers that when completing a DASH risk assessment form, if the category ‘other’ is chosen, a full explanation must be provided in the free text field. In addition, routine audits should be …
Police contact with woman before being murdered by ex-partner – West Yorkshire …
It is recommended that West Yorkshire Police remind Sergeants that DASH risk assessments and any supporting statements should be reviewed to endorse the risk level attributed to a victim. This recommendation follows an IOPC investigation where a probationary officer failed …
Police contact with woman before being murdered by ex-partner – West Yorkshire …
The IOPC recommends that West Yorkshire Police review their domestic abuse policies and training to ensure that officers are clear on their responsibilities and the procedures that should be followed when dealing with domestic abuse incidents. This recommendation follows an …
Officers investigate alleged domestic assault while another officer attempted to interfere with …
The IOPC recommends that Sussex Police should revise their domestic abuse training package to ensure it reflects force policy. This states that officers should consider how people live as a family unit when assessing whether a person or persons are …
IMB Recommendations (41)
Thorn Cross (2021)
The lack of approved premises to which prisoners can be released is a concern and more needs to be done to provide suitable accommodation.
Ministry of Justice
Askham Grange (2024)
The Board recommends that the Prison Service ensures the provision of services to support prisoners who have been subject to sexual and domestic violence, following the Governor’s requests over the past 12 months.
HMPPS
Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and Lunar House (2022)
At Stansted airport’s short-term holding facility, a separate, secure family room should be provided, and this should generally be reserved for the use of families, single females, and vulnerable individuals.
Home Office
Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and Lunar House (2022)
The short-term holding facilities at Gatwick airport’s North Terminal, for families, children and vulnerable detained individuals should be improved, by the provision of additional accommodation.
Home Office
Gatwick IRC/RSTHF (2022)
As recommended and accepted in 2021 but not effectively actioned, improve the provision of accommodation for men granted bail (section 7.4).
Home Office
Rochester (2023)
The Board retains its view that re-offending rates cannot be reduced unless there is suitable accommodation for all prisoners who have completed their sentence or are being released on HDC. Bail accommodation is limited in the south east, and the Board urges the minister to look into this further, to see how more accommodation can be provided.
Ministry of Justice
Portland (2023)
With the Community Accommodation Service Tier 3 being on hold currently, when does the government intend to roll it out on a national basis?
HMPPS
Derwentside IRC (2023)
To establish or improve pathways with local authorities and other external agencies, including probation, to enable prompt access to housing, social support and other services, which are required to be put in place before vulnerable women leave detention
Home Office
Low Newton (2020)
The prison would benefit from more funding to provide extra domestic violence support, trauma counselling, supported accommodation and social work, both in the prison and on release.
HMPPS
Brook House (2020)
Review arrangements for the provision of suitable accommodation for detainees granted bail to reduce waiting times.
Home Office
Bronzefield (2020)
The Board wishes to restate the question from our 2017/18 and 2018/19 annual reports: What has the Mayor’s office for Policing and Crime done in the last year to increase the availability of accommodation for those women who leave prison with no fixed abode?
Other
Wealstun (2021)
Ensure that funding is available to reinstate the Resolve offending behaviour programme, given the significant number of prisoners with a history of domestic violence (repeat area from 2019/2020 report) (para 7.3.5 refers).
Governor / Director
Styal (2024)
What specific consideration has been given to the impact of the recent changes to the recall system on female prisoners, in particular those with family ties and post-release accommodation challenges and how do these changes fit with the national Female Offender Strategy?
Other
Haverigg (2024)
Given the growing difficulties securing timely and suitable accommodation for prisoners on release, and acknowledging the number of agencies that are often involved (prisons, probation, police, local authority, etc), what plans does the Minister have to minimise the risk of a growing number of prisoners becoming homeless, losing job opportunities, reoffending and being returned to custody?
Ministry of Justice
Woodhill (2025)
Will the Minister work with colleagues to provide more approved accommodation in order to support the parole boards’ recommendations for prisoners to be reintegrated into society?
Ministry of Justice
Feltham (2025)
What plans are in place to support 18-year-olds with complex needs who are released from a children’s prison, in terms of housing and probation support?
Other
Askham Grange (2025)
Responding to concerns raised in our last annual report regarding sexual and domestic violence support services, it was suggested that additional funding was being sought to enhance access to local providers of this service. The IMB are unaware of any change to this situation so would HMPPS be able to say if there has there been any progress on this …
HMPPS
Derwentside (2022)
To establish or improve pathways with local authorities and other external agencies to enable prompt access to housing, social support and other services which are required to be put in place before vulnerable women leave detention.
Home Office
Derwentside (2024)
To continue to improve pathways with local authorities and other external agencies, including probation, to enable prompt access to housing, social support and other services, which are required to be put in place before vulnerable women leave detention.
Home Office
Rochester (2020)
Re-offending rates cannot be reduced unless there is suitable accommodation for all prisoners who have completed their sentence; too many prisoners are released from Rochester to become homeless rough sleepers. The recent initiative for prisons to refer those at risk of homelessness to local authorities, as referred to by the Minister in replying to previous reports, does not seem to …
Ministry of Justice
Peterborough (Women) (2020)
The Board remains concerned about the lack of suitable accommodation for women on release (see paragraph 11.3), as proper resourcing of accommodation could be cost-effective in reducing reoffending.
Ministry of Justice
Moorland (2020)
Can the minister work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to increase the provision of suitable post-release accommodation?
Ministry of Justice
Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre (2020)
Consideration should be given to making and maintaining greater provision for female detainees within reasonable travelling distance of the main ports and airports. The current situation results in long journeys and affects detainees’ well-being.
Other
Ashfield (2020)
Can the lack of availability of appropriate accommodation for men convicted of sexual offences be raised with the minister for housing, communities and local government?
Other
Bronzefield (2021)
What has the mayor’s office for policing and crime done in the last year to increase the availability of accommodation for those women who leave prison with no fixed abode?
Other
Eastwood Park (2023)
Are there plans to improve probation services so that women with short sentences are not sent to prison but given community orders to prevent them losing their homes and families, as happens in many cases?
Ministry of Justice
Rochester (2024)
The Board urges the Minister to look into this further, and to see how more accommodation can be provided.
Ministry of Justice
Wetherby (2025)
What specific steps will the local authority take to guarantee that accommodation is secured and assigned well before release?
Other
Thameside (2020)
The Board urges that the welcome Government initiative to ensure that released prisoners have accommodation to go to during the COVID-19 crisis will be continued beyond the current national health emergency.
Ministry of Justice
Morton Hall IRC (2020)
We would ask that cross-agency arrangements between the Home Office and the Probation Service in finding and checking suitable addresses for detainee releases into the community are speeded up so that bail releases and those of detainees classified as being at a high ‘adult at risk’ level are effected more quickly and delays avoided.
Other
Eastwood Park (2021)
In response to a question in our last annual report about the establishment of a women’s centre in Wales, the Minister responded by advising that seed funding had been made available. When is the centre likely to open?
Ministry of Justice
Eastwood Park (2021)
In response to a question in our last annual report about the establishment of a women’s centre in Wales, your predecessor responded by advising that seed funding had been made available. What progress has been made with this project?
Other
Rochester (2022)
The Board retains its view that re-offending rates cannot be reduced unless there is suitable accommodation for all prisoners who have completed their sentence or are being released on HDC. Bail accommodation and support service (BASS) accommodation is limited in the south east, and the Board urges the minister to look into this further to see how more accommodation can …
Ministry of Justice
Chelmsford (2022)
To exert influence to ensure provision of suitable permanent accommodation for prisoners upon release, so that no prisoner ends up on the street.
Ministry of Justice
Leicester (2023)
What plans does the minister have to commission short-term accommodation services for prisoners released in the East Midlands?
Ministry of Justice
Cookham Wood (2023)
When will local authorities improve their communications regarding accommodation to the boys in Cookham Wood?
Other
Peterborough (women) (2024)
When will HMPPS increase the provision or licensing of approved accommodation to which women can be safely released?
HMPPS
Peterborough (men) (2024)
When will HMPPS increase the provision or licensing of approved accommodation to which men can be safely released?
HMPPS
Eastwood Park (2024)
Make progress in the development of the first residential women’s centre.
HMPPS
Feltham (2025)
Provide suitable spaces for outreach meetings.
Governor / Director
Askham Grange (2025)
Short sentences of imprisonment can have a significant and often negative effect on women in terms of accommodation, family ties, employment and mental health, so any initiative to divert women from custody where appropriate is welcomed. Is there evidence to show that the recommendations of the Independent Review of Sentencing have reduced the number of women being sentenced to short …
Ministry of Justice
Health Investigations (2)
Independent investigation into the care and treatment of Mr L — Rec 2
The Trust should ensure that consideration about referral to MAPPA takes place for patients with violent histories and convictions for serious violent offences. Such referrals should consider safeguarding issues and risks of domestic violence for wider family members.
Independent investigation into the care and treatment of Mr L This is the independent investigation report into the care and treatment of Mr L who committed a homicide in June 2013. Mr L was in receipt of services from East London NHS Foundation Trust
london
Accepted
Independent investigation into the care and treatment of Mr L — Rec 2
The Trust should ensure that consideration about referral to MAPPA takes place for patients with violent histories and convictions for serious violent offences. Such referrals should consider safeguarding issues and risks of domestic violence for wider family members.
Independent investigation into the care and treatment of Mr L This is the independent investigation report into the care and treatment of Mr L who committed a homicide in 2014. Mr L was in receipt of services from Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
london
Accepted
LGO / SPSO Decisions (926)
21-015-756 — West Northamptonshire Council
Summary: Ms X complained about the way the Council responded when she asked to move house because she was at risk of domestic abuse. This caused Ms X distress. We found fault with the Council. The Council agreed actions to remedy the injustice to Ms X.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Apr 2022
25-004-156 — London Borough of Hackney
Summary: Ms X complained about the Council’s actions after she told it she was a victim of domestic abuse. We find the Council at fault in its handling of her initial approach, including its treatment of her at its offices, its failure to complete a Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Jan 2026
21-016-070 — London Borough of Haringey
Summary: We found fault with the Council for failing to move Ms X to alternative temporary accommodation when it decided her accommodation was unsuitable. This caused Ms X an injustice because she lived in unsuitable accommodation. It also caused her distress and placed her at risk of domestic abuse. The …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
May 2022
25-001-204 — London Borough of Enfield
Summary: Ms X complained the Council did not secure suitable accommodation when she fled domestic abuse in 2023 and subsequently disposed of her personal property. She said it caused significant mental anguish and distress and a large financial loss. We have decided to end the investigation because the matters occurred …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Dec 2025
25-002-786 — London Borough of Lewisham
Summary: Miss X complained about the Council’s handling of her homeless application. The Council was at fault for failing to carry out a medical assessment. The Council was not at fault for providing temporary accommodation to Miss X in an area she was at risk of abuse. There is no …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Dec 2025
24-010-719-fr — South Kesteven District Council (24 010 719 fr)
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Aug 2025
25-005-308 — London Borough of Barnet
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
25-007-376 — London Borough of Bromley
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
25-001-974 — Royal Borough of Greenwich
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
21-006-385 — London Borough of Bromley
Summary: Mrs C complains that the Council provided her with unsuitable interim accommodation under the homeless duty it owed her. She said her daughter’s room was too small and this affected her mental health. We find fault by the Council because it did not inform Mrs C of her right …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Mar 2022
22-003-098 — London Borough of Hounslow
this complaint about the Council’s failure to provide suitable temporary accommodation for Mr X under its homelessness provisions. Mr X has requested a review of the decision on suitability and if he is unsuccessful, it is reasonable for him to appeal to the County Court on a point of law.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Jul 2022
21-013-723 — Colchester City Council
Summary: Mr X complains about the time it took the Council to support his stepson into suitable housing, thereby endangering both he and his wife. We have concluded our investigation having made a finding of fault by the Council. Although the Council took reasonable steps to alleviate any immediate danger …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Aug 2022
21-004-062 — London Borough of Lambeth
Summary: Miss X complains that the Council placed her in unsuitable accommodation in 2019 and did not provide sufficient help when she could not occupy the property. We will not further investigate if the accommodation was suitable as Miss X had the right to seek a review of the Council’s …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Aug 2022
22-006-277 — London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Summary: We will not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint about the suitability of the Council’s provision of homeless accommodation in 2019. The complaint was received outside the normal 12-month period for investigating complaints. There is no evidence to suggest that Mr X could not have complained to us sooner.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Aug 2022
22-007-847 — London Borough of Redbridge
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council recorded Ms X’s experiences of domestic abuse. That is because further investigation is unlikely to lead to a different outcome.
LGO (Local Government & …
Education
Upheld
Oct 2022
22-001-348 — London Borough of Havering
Summary: The Council was at fault in its handling of Ms X’s case when she became homeless due to domestic abuse. The Council was also at fault for significant delays responding to her complaint. The Council has agreed to apologise, pay Ms X £1000 and act to improve its services.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Nov 2022
22-002-631 — Oxfordshire County Council
Summary: Ms X complained the Council did not properly consider the impact of domestic abuse when carrying out a child and family assessment in 2020. This complaint has been investigated using the children’s statutory complaints process. There was no fault with that investigation, and it is unlikely I could achieve …
LGO (Local Government & …
Education
Upheld
Nov 2022
23-016-979 — Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
Summary: The complaint concerns the Council declining to review its decision to end its legal duty to provide the complainant housing. These types of housing decisions carry a legal right for the person affected to request a review within a set timeframe and the Council considered the request the complainant …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
May 2024
23-020-350 — London Borough of Sutton
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to ensure repairs are dealt with in Ms X’s home which she rents from a social housing provider. Her complaint has been referred to the Housing Ombudsman Service who have decided to investigate her case.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
May 2024
24-001-344 — London Borough of Lambeth
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to place Mr X and his family in temporary accommodation in a neighbouring borough which he says is unsuitable. It was reasonable for him to challenge the Council’s decision and its review by appealing to the courts.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Jun 2024
23-020-347 — London Borough of Ealing
Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about because there is insufficient evidence of fault in relation to her eviction and the provision of alternative temporary accommodation. The Council is reviewing its subsequent decision that she is intentionally homeless and it is reasonable for her to exercise her rights …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Jul 2024
23-019-868 — London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Summary: The Council was at fault for contacting the alleged perpetrator of domestic abuse against Ms X as part of its inquiries into her homelessness. The Council has agreed to apologise, make a payment to recognise the distress caused and act to improve its services.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Jul 2024
23-011-115 — London Borough of Camden
Summary: Ms X complained about the length of time the Council took to make and fit a replacement external door at her home. We found fault because the Council did not submit measurements it took for the door which then led to avoidable delays in the new door being made …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Jul 2024
23-019-835 — Basildon Borough Council
Summary: Miss X complained the Council failed to resolve repeated repair issues with her temporary accommodation, making the property unsuitable to live in. The Council failed to assess the suitability of Miss X’s accommodation and failed to act on repeated reports of disrepair. This caused Miss X and her family …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Sep 2024
23-018-365 — London Borough of Redbridge
Summary: Miss B complained about unresolved disrepair issues in her temporary accommodation. We found the Council at fault as there were long delays for agreed repairs to be completed. The Council has agreed to our recommendations to remedy the injustice caused.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Sep 2024
23-017-294 — London Borough of Islington
Summary: We have found fault with the Council for failing to secure suitable accommodation for Miss X when she was homeless after fleeing domestic abuse. This caused Miss X prolonged uncertainty and distress. The Council has agreed to remedy Miss X’s avoidable injustice by securing suitable accommodation, an apology and …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Sep 2024
23-016-149 — Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: Miss X complained about the Council’s handling of her homelessness application. The Council had already accepted it was at fault for not allowing Miss X to join the choice-based lettings scheme and for wrongly deciding she was intentionally homeless. We also found the Council at fault for failing to …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Sep 2024
24-006-194 — Kingston Upon Hull City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision on Mr X’s homeless application. It was reasonable for him to ask for a statutory review of the decision and the Council advised him of this right.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Sep 2024
23-019-673 — London Borough of Ealing
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s assessment of a homelessness application. There is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Sep 2024
23-018-324 — London Borough of Croydon
Summary: Miss X complains the Council did not properly review the suitability of temporary accommodation it provided her when she was homeless, when she asked it to. It also did not properly consider her priority on its housing register. There was fault by the Council which caused Miss X to …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Sep 2024
23-020-618 — Broxbourne Borough Council
Summary: Ms F complained about the Council’s handling of her homelessness application. We found the Council at fault for causing a delay to provide interim and alternative temporary accommodation and to respond to some of her communication. We could not consider the Council’s non-priority decision as she exercised her statutory …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Sep 2024
23-020-220 — London Borough of Redbridge
Summary: There was fault by the Council. There were delays in arranging repairs to ensure that Temporary Accommodation was suitable. Apologising, making a symbolic payment and ensuring that any outstanding repairs are carried out remedies the injustice caused.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Sep 2024
24-007-273 — Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the suitability of temporary accommodation provided by the Council. It is reasonable for the complainant to appeal to the county court if he is unhappy with the outcome of the suitability review.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Sep 2024
24-018-987 — Liverpool City Council
Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about how the Council handled her homelessness application. This is because there is no worthwhile outcome achievable by our investigation and there is another body better placed to consider this complaint.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
May 2025
24-006-914 — London Borough of Lambeth
Summary: The Council was at fault for failing to provide Ms X with accurate advice and information about her housing options when she had to leave her home because of a risk of violence. The Council also failed to issue a homelessness decision giving Ms X a right of review …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
May 2025
24-005-585 — London Borough of Croydon
Summary: Miss B complained that the Council mishandled her homelessness application. We have found the Council at fault for delays in processing Miss B’s application and providing inconsistent information. These faults caused Miss B uncertainty, distress and frustration. The Council has agreed to apologise to Miss B, make a symbolic …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
May 2025
24-022-494 — Canterbury City Council
Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about the Council’s decision that she is intentionally homeless. The Council is currently completing a statutory review of its decision. If Ms X is unhappy with the outcome, she can appeal to the county court.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
May 2025
24-007-985 — London Borough of Enfield
Summary: We found no fault on Mrs Y’s complaint about the Council failing to move her to permanent accommodation. She was on its housing register but failed to bid for properties which became available. While the Council failed to show it told her it had discharged the full housing duty …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Jul 2025
24-011-887 — London Borough of Ealing
Summary: Mr X complained that the Council left him and his family in unsuitable accommodation for more than a year. We found that the Council was at fault in failing to move the family to suitable accommodation. This caused them injustice, particularly in terms of the needs of their disabled …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Jul 2025
25-003-855 — Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision on Mrs X’s homelessness application. It was reasonable for Mrs X to appeal to the County Court against this decision.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Jul 2025
24-015-485 — Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
Summary: Mr D complained the Council failed to offer homelessness advice and support and placed him in unsuitable interim accommodation. I have found evidence of fault by the Council causing Mr D to live in unsuitable accommodation for nearly six months. I have asked the Council to pay Mr D …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Jul 2025
24-007-983 — Stevenage Borough Council
Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s actions when he approached it as homeless. We found some fault by the Council as it did not evidence it assessed the suitability of interim accommodation it offered to him. This caused uncertainty and frustration to Mr X. The Council has agreed to …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Jul 2025
25-001-171 — London Borough of Hillingdon
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint requesting a financial remedy for issues arising from the Council accommodating the complainant in unsuitable accommodation from January 2023 to July 2024. This is because the complaint is caught by the time bar on the Ombudsman’s remit and there are no good reasons …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Jul 2025
25-001-157 — London Borough of Bexley
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to end its interim accommodation duty. We cannot determine suitability of interim accommodation and it is a matter which the courts are best placed to determine.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Jul 2025
25-001-598 — London Borough of Camden
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the suitability of temporary accommodation. Ms X used her right of appeal to the courts.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Jul 2025
24-020-763 — London Borough of Brent
Summary: Miss B complained the Council mishandled her homelessness application. I have found fault by the Council because it failed to take any action on the case for nine months, did not update the Personalised Housing Plan and failed to inform Miss B about her right to review. The Council …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Jul 2025
24-017-062 — London Borough of Redbridge
Summary: We found fault by the Council on Mr Y’s complaint about it placing him in unsuitable temporary accommodation. The Council accepted it was unsuitable but failed to move him. It also failed to show it properly assessed whether the accommodation was suitable before placing him in it. The Council …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Jul 2025
24-015-465 — Isle of Wight Council
Summary: Mr X complained about the Council placing him in unsuitable interim accommodation. He also complained that it would not offer him interim accommodation until he rehoused his emotional support dog and that a housing officer was rude and dismissive towards him. We found fault by the Council on all …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Jul 2025
25-001-262 — Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about the Council’s handling of her housing and support needs. Part of the complaint is late and there are no good reasons to investigate now. There is insufficient evidence of fault with the Council’s handling of her homelessness application to justify our …
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Jul 2025
24-013-506 — London Borough of Newham
Summary: Ms D complains the Council failed to resolve disrepair at her temporary accommodation and queries decisions made by the Council about her housing priority. I have found evidence of fault because the Council delayed progressing repairs. The Council has agreed to pay Ms D redress for the delay.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Upheld
Jul 2025