Hounslow Council has been ordered to pay £7,100 in compensation to a vulnerable woman who lost all her belongings after the council promised to store them but failed to arrange removal in time.
Eviction and Loss of Possessions
The woman, referred to as Miss X in a report by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, was evicted from her home in May 2025. The council had told her to leave her packed bags in her room, promising to arrange a removal company for storage. However, the council failed to inform the company that the eviction was urgent, so the company arrived several days late. By then, the landlord had disposed of all her possessions, including clothing and toiletries.
Council Failures and Compensation
The Ombudsman found multiple failings, including inadequate handling of the eviction and unsuitable temporary housing. Miss X, who has social care needs, was moved between three properties that did not meet her mobility requirements, including one with stairs she could not safely use. This caused her health to deteriorate. The compensation includes £500 for lost belongings, £300 for distress, and the remainder for the prolonged unsuitable housing.
Hounslow Council apologised and paid the compensation. The council did not respond to a request for comment.
