By Ben Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter
A council has been criticised after suggesting a man may have been eligible for supported housing before concluding he could not afford the accommodation.
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman also found Hammersmith and Fulham council had not prepared a Personal Housing Plan for the individual, named Mr X, describing the error as causing an ‘injustice’.
A spokesperson for the council said they accept the findings and continue to offer housing and financial support to the tenant.
Mr X approached the council in November 2023 after losing his home due to a relationship ending, and so was living short-term with his mother. He also reported his struggle with mental health and said he was unable to work for several months.
Hammersmith and Fulham took on Mr X’s case and, several months later, provided him with a calculation of the benefits he could get with supported housing based on his payslips and employment contract.
But after Mr X provided further documentation, the housing adviser found he would not be eligible for council tax support due to his higher income from overtime at his job.
This meant his benefit would be reduced and in March his adviser was told he would not be able to afford supported housing.
Mr X complained to the council in April 2024, saying he had been offered supported housing though this was withdrawn ‘without proper explanation’.
The Ombudsman began its investigation in October, following which the council assigned a new housing adviser who prepared a Personal Housing Plan.
The council was found to have not followed the appropriate steps after it had accepted its duty towards Mr X, including the failure to prepare a Personal Housing Plan or effectively communicate its decision that he could not afford supported housing.
The Ombudsman did not find fault in the council reaching that position.
The Ombudsman recommended the council apologise for the faults found, review Mr X’s Personal Housing Plan, inform him of its decision and pay him £250 ‘to recognise the distress caused’.
A spokesperson for the council said: “We fully accept the Ombudsman’s findings and have apologised to Mr X. We have provided Mr X with a Personal Housing Plan and continue to work with him to offer housing and financial support.”
Pictured top: Hammersmith and Fulham council offices (Picture: Google Street View)
