Tower Hamlets Council has recently paid out a settlement of over £10,000 to a man with disabilities and complex needs, known as Mr. X, who was forced to sleep in his car for several weeks after the council failed to provide him with proper support. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found faults in the council’s adult social care and housing teams, leading to Mr. X experiencing significant stress and worry before being evicted from his home.
The Ombudsman’s decision highlighted that Mr. X was placed in unsuitable accommodation and, at times, left without any home or support for his care needs. As a result of the council’s failings, Mr. X’s mental and physical health suffered, leading to a hospital stay. The council has accepted the Ombudsman’s findings and issued an apology to Mr. X for the distress caused.
In addition to the £10,228 awarded in compensation and other costs, the council has agreed to pay Mr. X £8,500 for the stress and worry that impacted his health. This amount was calculated based on the 14 months of delay and unsuitable accommodation, reflecting the significant injustice caused to Mr. X. The council will also reimburse Mr. X for court, removal, and storage costs, as well as work with him to address any outstanding parking tickets incurred during his ordeal.
Moving forward, the council has committed to reviewing its processes for providing housing and support to homeless individuals with care needs. They will ensure that appropriate adjustments are made for disabled applicants and that there is better communication between housing and social care teams to prevent interruptions in care. The council aims to complete all necessary actions within three months and is investing £1.3 million in improvements to its homelessness services.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of timely and adequate support for vulnerable individuals facing housing insecurity. It underscores the need for better coordination between social care and housing services to prevent similar situations in the future. By acknowledging its failings and taking proactive steps to improve services, the council is working towards better outcomes for individuals like Mr. X who require specialized assistance during times of crisis.
