Wandsworth Council Criticized for Failing Domestic Abuse Victim in Housing Crisis
A mother who fled domestic abuse while pregnant was left living in a tiny room with her two children for a month after giving birth due to significant delays and failures by Wandsworth Council. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman investigation revealed the council's inadequate response to the woman's urgent housing needs.
Council Delays and Inadequate Accommodation
The woman, identified as Miss X, was placed in emergency accommodation in another borough on August 28, 2024, after escaping domestic violence. She was pregnant at the time and had a child under two years old. Despite repeated concerns raised by both Miss X and her social worker about the room's suitability, size, and her ability to cope after childbirth, the council failed to address these issues until December 23.
The ombudsman found that while the accommodation might have been suitable until the birth, the council should have recognized it would become inadequate once her second child arrived. Consequently, Miss X suffered injustice by being forced to remain in the cramped space with two children for nearly a month after giving birth in January 2025.
Privacy Violations and Additional Hardships
The investigation also highlighted serious privacy concerns. Miss X reported that her male landlord entered the room without notice while she was partially dressed. The ombudsman noted that the council, aware of her vulnerability as a domestic abuse survivor, failed to consider appropriate access arrangements for accommodation checks.
Upon returning from the hospital after childbirth, Miss X discovered the property had no heating or hot water. She claimed the council only provided a heater after she contacted the fire brigade, though this could not be verified. The council finally moved her to alternative temporary accommodation on February 3.
Council Response and Required Actions
Following the investigation, Wandsworth Council agreed to apologize to Miss X and pay her £750 in compensation for the distress caused by their failures. The ombudsman mandated that the council provide guidance to officers on suitability assessments for emergency housing and proper access protocols for domestic abuse survivors.
A council spokesperson stated: "We take our responsibilities towards vulnerable residents incredibly seriously and we are committed to providing safe, secure housing for those that need it. We are sorry for the distress this individual experienced and have offered an apology, and paid the compensation in full. We are committed to learning from this experience to improve our processes and ensure it doesn’t happen again."
This case underscores ongoing challenges in London's housing system, particularly for vulnerable individuals fleeing dangerous situations. The ombudsman's findings emphasize the need for councils to prioritize timely and appropriate responses to housing emergencies.
