Family moved 'to the other end of the country' wins payout from London council

"Within a week a direct offer was made of a private rental property which was out-of-area accommodation. The report stated Ms X had a few days to accept the offer. A representative of the family highlighted one of the children was sitting their GCSEs that year, the other had special education needs and the council had not liaised with the new local authority about school places for either child."

"The reliance on local support networks following the impact of domestic abuse was also highlighted as a reason the new accommodation was not suitable. By April the council had agreed the property was unsuitable and in July offered Ms X accommodation within the borough, which she accepted. The report found a delay moving the family back to the areas after the review decision caused an injustice to Mrs X and both of her children."

"The ombudsman also said the council must allow applicants a reasonable period to consider offers, especially if they will end prevent and relief duties. According to the report Ms X had from 4pm on Thursday until 10am on Monday to accept or decline the out-of-area property. While guidance states there is not a set reasonable period the watchdog found the council at fault for the short notice highlighting it was less than four days, and included weekend days."

Ms X, fleeing domestic abuse with her children, presented as homeless in early 2024 and Enfield Council accepted relief duty and provided interim accommodation. Within a week the council made a direct offer of a private rental property that was out-of-area and gave Ms X a few days to accept. One child was sitting GCSEs and the other had special education needs; the council had not liaised with the new local authority about school places. The family relied on local support networks. The Local Government Ombudsman found the council at fault and the council agreed to apologise and pay 1,100.

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