A woman fleeing domestic abuse in South London was wrongly denied housing assistance by Kingston Council, according to a recent investigation. The council delayed helping the woman for five months, failing to properly consider her applications for housing. The woman, referred to as Ms X in the report, expressed that the council’s actions exposed her to the risk of domestic abuse for a longer period than necessary. In response to the findings, Kingston Council has agreed to compensate her with £400 for the distress and uncertainty she endured.
Ms X initially applied to join the council’s housing register in November of the previous year, submitting a letter from an independent domestic violence advisor (IDVA) stating the urgency of her situation. Despite this, the council concluded that there was no evidence to support her need for rehousing and denied her application to the housing register. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman discovered that the council failed to consider the specifics of Ms X’s domestic abuse situation and did not take into account the advisor’s letter. Additionally, the council neglected to address her homelessness application promptly.
It was not until five months later, in April, that Kingston Council acknowledged its duty to prevent Ms X from becoming homeless. The ombudsman highlighted the council’s delay in providing support and stated that there was no justification for the prolonged period of inaction. The report emphasized that the council should have recognized Ms X’s eligibility for the housing register earlier on, which would have potentially altered the outcome of her housing situation. As a result of the council’s shortcomings, Ms X experienced distress and uncertainty.
In response to the ombudsman’s ruling, Kingston Council issued an apology to Ms X and made the payment of £400 as a gesture of acknowledgment towards the harm caused. The council spokesperson emphasized their commitment to ensuring quality housing for residents and addressing the current housing crisis affecting the region. They noted that close to 1,000 families are currently receiving temporary accommodation, underscoring the overwhelming demand for housing in the area.
Moving forward, Kingston Council will review its procedures for assessing housing register applications to ensure that all relevant information provided by applicants is thoroughly considered. Ms X has been added to the housing register, and the council has informed her of her status and priority in accordance with the ombudsman’s directives.
This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals seeking refuge from domestic abuse and the importance of responsive and compassionate support from local authorities. It serves as a reminder of the critical need for efficient and empathetic handling of housing applications, especially in cases involving vulnerable individuals like Ms X.
