Enfield Council has been forced to apologise and pay compensation to a resident after repeatedly failing to address his serious complaints about a nightmare neighbour.
Months of Distress Ignored
The tenant, who moved into a council flat in 2024, reported feeling unsafe to the authority just one day after arriving. He cited persistent screaming, shouting, threats and bad smells emanating from a nearby property at all hours.
Over many months, he submitted video evidence and multiple follow-up complaints. Despite this, an investigation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) found the council took no "substantive action" and caused the man "significant distress and frustration".
The council also failed to conduct a formal review of the case after the tenant's third report, a legal right he was entitled to.
Ombudsman Slams Council's Systemic Failure
Julie Odams, Chief Executive at the LGSCO, stated: "Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home. When someone repeatedly reports feeling threatened by a neighbour's behaviour, they should be confident their council will take their concerns seriously."
She emphasised that assessing a resident's vulnerability should be a starting point, not an afterthought. Ms Odams expressed concern over a wider problem at the council, noting this was not the first such failure in tackling anti-social behaviour.
"We are concerned this points to a wider problem with how it runs this service and the effectiveness of local oversight," she added.
Apology, Payment and Promised Reform
Following the damning report, Enfield Council has agreed to:
- Formally apologise to the tenant.
- Pay him £500 in compensation.
- Thoroughly investigate his original reports.
- Assess whether he remains at risk.
- Carry out a full case review.
The LGSCO has also recommended the council create an action plan to improve its handling of anti-social behaviour reports and complaints. The council has accepted all the recommendations.
The independent Ombudsman investigates complaints about councils and other public organisations where maladministration or service failure is alleged.
