Wandsworth Council Fined for Disabled Woman's Housing Delay

Wandsworth Council has been found at fault by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman for failing to provide suitable alternative accommodation for a disabled resident, identified as Miss X. The failure to rehouse the woman, who experienced a property leak that made her kitchen unusable, spanned more than two and a half years.

Ombudsman's Findings

The ombudsman's report stated that the council had deemed Miss X's temporary accommodation unsuitable in September 2023, establishing an immediate duty to relocate her. This decision preceded a leak that Miss X reported in December 2024. By February 2025, she requested a move due to her disability, citing the leak's impact on her ability to use her kitchen. She complained to the council in March 2025 about the lack of progress in resolving the issue.

Although the council inspected the property and arranged some repairs between June and October, the leak remained unresolved, according to Miss X. The ombudsman noted the significant impact this had on her physical and mental health, stating, 'Miss X is disabled and has been deprived of adequate facilities to cook and prepare food as she has reported that she cannot use her kitchen. This issue would have had a high level of impact on her over a long time.'

Compensation and Next Steps

In January of this year, the council offered Miss X a different property, which she declined, finding it unsuitable and unaffordable. As a resolution, Wandsworth Council has agreed to issue Miss X an apology and pay her £6,300 for its failings. Additionally, the council will provide a monthly payment of £350 for a maximum of six months, commencing in June, or until a suitable property is offered and accepted.

Wandsworth Council was approached for comment regarding the ombudsman's findings.