Westminster Council Criticized for 5-Year Delay in Fixing Leaky Roof
Westminster Council has come under fire for taking five years to address a leaky roof issue for a family-of-three, as reported by the local democracy reporter Adrian Zorzut. The housing watchdog has deemed the council’s actions as “severe maladministration,” resulting in a £6,000 pay-out for the affected tenants.
Failures in Council’s Response
The report highlighted a series of failures by the local authority, leaving the family without a bedroom and exposed to high levels of damp for an extended period. The council was instructed to compensate the tenants with 25% of the rent paid from October 2021 as a form of redress for the distress caused.
Lack of Communication and Accountability
The watchdog’s investigation revealed that Westminster City had neglected to properly document interactions with the tenant, leading to poor record-keeping and an inability to refute the tenant’s version of events. Furthermore, the council was criticized for delayed property inspections and for inaccurately attributing delays to a Section 20 notice.
Repeated Delays and Neglect
Despite confirming the need for repairs in January 2023, the council failed to promptly initiate the works, causing additional distress to the residents. The ombudsman also found instances where scaffolding was removed prematurely, indicating a lack of thoroughness in ensuring the completion of necessary repairs.
Ongoing Impact on Residents
The affected family reported ongoing leaks and deteriorating conditions within their residence, resulting in health concerns and a diagnosis of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for both parents. Despite the council’s assertion that the relevant works were completed in June 2024, the residents claimed the issue persisted as late as September of that year.
Council’s Response and Commitment to Improvement
In response to the Housing Ombudsman’s findings, a Westminster City council spokesman expressed regret for the situation and affirmed their commitment to rectifying the shortcomings identified. The council has implemented new complaint handling procedures and safeguards to prevent similar instances from occurring and to provide better support for vulnerable residents.
The residents’ ordeal underscores the importance of timely and effective responses to housing issues, emphasizing the need for accountability and diligence in ensuring the well-being of tenants.
