A disabled man in Norwich was left sleeping on the floor for an extended period after a council failed to properly respond to his homelessness application, according to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
The watchdog found the authority did not take adequate steps to assess the man’s needs or secure suitable interim accommodation, despite clear evidence of his vulnerabilities.
As a result, he was left without appropriate housing and forced to sleep in unsuitable conditions, causing significant distress.
The Ombudsman concluded the council failed to meet its legal duties, including properly considering whether the man was in priority need and required urgent support.
It also identified weaknesses in communication and decision-making throughout the case.
The council has agreed to apologise, pay compensation and review its procedures.
A spokesperson for Norwich City Council said: ‘We have been in touch directly with the individual and offered our sincere apologies. We have provided compensation and as per the recommendation of the Ombudsman we have taken all steps possible to safeguard this from happening again.’
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