Unsafe canal barriers in housing
Inadequate or absent safety barriers near canals in housing developments, leading to child deaths.
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
PFD report
93match
Malika Hibu
The canal railing offered no protection for a small child, and Peabody Housing Association did not risk assess it or act on resident complaints about its safety. The initial planning application for the development also did not consider the barrier's safety.
Matched on
terms: barrier, canal, housing
PFD report
69match
Adam Miles
The coroner noted the absence of effective barriers to separate people from the canal where smoking was permitted, and that the canal offered no means of escape for anyone who fell in.
Matched on
terms: barrier, canal
PFD report
65match
William Webb
The coroner noted a lack of safety equipment and warning signage near the canal, which made it difficult for individuals to exit the water without assistance, especially given the proximity to student accommodation.
Matched on
terms: canal
PFD report
61match
Sidney Martin
The coroner noted that the steps from the canal bridge leading to Gas Street in Skipton are in a dangerous condition, further compounded by poor lighting in the bridge area.
Matched on
terms: canal
PFD report
61match
Philip Sheridan
The coroner identifies gaps in landlord responsibilities for ensuring ongoing smoke alarm effectiveness and for letting properties without proper consent or inspection. Concerns are also raised about Leeds City Council's practice of awarding Local Housing Allowance without verifying property safety.
Matched on
terms: housing
PFD report
57match
Casper Blackburn
The coroner noted extremely poor lighting and a lack of CCTV in the area where Casper entered the canal, making it difficult to discern the canal from the surroundings and unclear what precisely happened.
Matched on
terms: canal
PFD report
57match
Lorraine Karat
The coroner noted a lack of risk assessment for Ms Karat's flat, specifically the window opening onto an unsafe balcony without railings, warning signs, or restrictors. There was also no clear communication to Ms Karat about unauthorised balcony use.
Matched on
terms: unsafe
PFD report
57match
Sarah McGreevy
The coroner noted residents climb onto balconies to clear blocked drainpipes, posing a fall risk, and that a lack of remedial work means this unsafe practice is likely to continue.
Matched on
terms: unsafe
PFD report
57match
Doreen Turner
The coroner noted that kerbing at the end of a residential cul-de-sac was below standard height and lacked devices to prevent vehicles from entering the adjacent canal, a hazard that had occurred twice in five years.
Matched on
terms: canal
Committee recommendation
55match
#16 - Forty-Ninth Report - Regulation of private renting
Tenants have a legal right to a safe and secure home that is free from serious health hazards. However, they face significant barriers to realising this right, and many experience significant issues which can result, for example, in serious illness, harassment or homelessness. Some 13% of privately rented homes in England have at least one category 1 hazard—a...
Matched on
terms: barrier, housing
PFD report
49match
Matthew Willoughby
The coroner raised concerns that safety adaptions removed from a window in a tenant's flat have not been replaced. There are concerns about the landlord's lack of action to ensure advised safety conditions are maintained for tenants.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
49match
Tomi Solomon
The coroner raised concerns regarding the adequacy of existing safety measures on a bridge and its surrounding area, requesting consideration of further actions to deter dangerous activities and prevent future incidents.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
49match
Margaret Lewis
The coroner raises concerns about the safety of pedestrians crossing the B4398 (60mph limit) between sections of a towpath, identifying risks from quiet vehicles, pedestrians wearing earphones, and sun glare.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
45match
Hassan Zubair
The coroner identified that trains were not advised to proceed with caution by the signals controller when travelling through the area.
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
43match
21-018-579 - Liverpool City Council
Summary: The complaint is on behalf of a leaseholders association about a development next to the site the association represents. The complaint concerns the Council’s approval of a site compound and temporary traffic regulation orders. The complainant says the compound has an impact on some of the properties, has created an unsafe environment which has increased crime and...
Matched on
terms: unsafe
LGO / SPSO decision
39match
PSOW-202407430 - Hafod Housing Association
Ms C complained that over a four-year period, Hafod Housing Association had not taken sufficient action to stop dampness and prevent mould in her home and provided evidence that a drainage channel had not been installed properly. The Ombudsman decided that the Housing Association had taken reasonable action by arranging an independent inspection and acting on the findings...
Matched on
terms: housing
LGO / SPSO decision
35match
PSOW-202207266 - Hafod Housing Association
Ms X complained that Hafod Housing Association failed to complete outstanding repairs to resolve damp, mould and electrical issues at her property. The Ombudsman decided that there had been shortcomings in the Associations handling of the complaint and concluded that it had closed Ms X’s complaint without first receiving the survey report. The Ombudsman sought and gained the...
Matched on
terms: housing
LGO / SPSO decision
35match
PSOW-202206191 - Linc Cymru Housing Association
Mr B complained that Linc Cymru Housing Association failed to respond to a complaint he submitted via its website on 20 December 2022. The Ombudsman concluded that the Association failed to communicate its decision to informally deal with his complaint, which caused Mr B inconvenience and frustration. The Ombudsman decided to settle the complaint without an investigation, and...
Matched on
terms: housing
LGO / SPSO decision
35match
PSOW-202207652 - Hafod Housing Association
Ms L complained that the Housing Association failed to provide a complaint response about the concerns she raised in December 2022. Ms L further complained that outstanding repairs had not been actioned despite promises to do so. The Ombudsman concluded that the Association failed to issue a complaint response and had not kept Ms L updated with any...
Matched on
terms: housing
LGO / SPSO decision
35match
PSOW-202403262 - Linc Cymru Housing Association
Miss D complained that Linc Cymru Housing Association failed to remedy the mould in her property. The Ombudsman found that whilst the Association had responded to Miss D’s Stage 1 complaint, it had initially closed her Stage 2 complaint in error without taking any action. Whilst the Ombudsman has since re-opened the Stage 2 complaint, the Ombudsman found...
Matched on
terms: housing
LGO / SPSO decision
34match
25-006-907 - Westminster City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of discoloured water at Mr X’s home as the safety and testing of drinking water was not the Council’s responsibility, and problems relating to the internal hot water system relate to the Council’s management of leasehold and social housing.
Matched on
terms: housing
LGO / SPSO decision
30match
PSOW-202406149 - Newport City Homes
Miss A complained that Newport City Homes had failed to undertake repairs and address damp and mould issues, which she had first reported in July 2024. Miss A further complained that she had experienced difficulties in contacting the Housing Association. The Ombudsman found that although the Housing Association had undertaken some repairs to the bathroom and the living...
Matched on
terms: housing
LGO / SPSO decision
30match
PSOW-202407604 - Cardiff Council
Mr B complained that he was unhappy with Cardiff Council’s (“the Council”) actions regarding housing repairs to his mother’s property. Mr B said that the Council had resolved most but not all of his issues. The Ombudsman decided that although the Council had undertaken work to resolve some outstanding issues, it had acknowledged that the property should not...
Matched on
terms: housing
LGO / SPSO decision
30match
23-021-303 - Malvern Hills District Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s response to the complainant’s reports of disrepair in her Housing Association home. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council and we cannot investigate the actions of Housing Associations.
Matched on
terms: housing
LGO / SPSO decision
30match
PSOW-202308145 - Cardiff Community Housing Association
Ms E complained that Cardiff Community Housing Association failed to locate and resolve a water leak which caused damp and mould. The Ombudsman found that Ms E formally complained to the Association. The Association upheld the complaint but failed to formally address all issues raised. She found this caused additional frustration and uncertainty to Ms E. She decided...
Matched on
terms: housing
LGO / SPSO decision
27match
20-010-984 - London Borough of Hackney
Summary: Ms X complained the Council allowed her to live as a property guardian in a property it owned in the knowledge there were serious disrepair issues. She also complained that when she reported her concerns, the Council ended its agreement with the property guardian company, which then started eviction proceedings. Some of aspects of the complaint were...
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
26match
22-010-839 - Broxtowe Borough Council
cannot investigate this complaint about the actions of the Council’s housing staff in the management of Mrs X’s social housing tenancy. We have no jurisdiction to investigate complaints about social housing landlords and the management of their tenancies.
Matched on
terms: housing
LGO / SPSO decision
26match
24-022-477 - Spelthorne Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about a Council Housing Officer’s behaviour when she wanted advice on the high rent and disrepair issues at her privately rented property. There is not enough injustice to justify our involvement.
Matched on
terms: housing
LGO / SPSO decision
26match
24-018-625 - Southend-on-Sea City Council
Summary: The Council was not at fault for how it handled reports about the condition of Ms X’s property or for how it placed restrictions on her contact. The Council was at fault for how it handled some of her requests for re-housing. This meant Ms X had to wait longer than she should have to receive assistance....
Matched on
terms: housing
LGO / SPSO decision
26match
24-015-023 - London Borough of Enfield
Summary: We cannot investigate Ms B’s complaint about the Council not issuing her a refund after she was over-charged for water use at her Council tenancy. This is because we cannot investigate complaints about the management of social housing by a council.
Matched on
terms: housing
LGO / SPSO decision
26match
25-009-566 - Tendring District Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s actions to address private housing disrepair. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault.
Matched on
terms: housing
IMB annual report
23match
Dungavel House IRC (2020)
Dungavel House IRC successfully managed its operations during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, with no detainee infections and staff commended for their resilience. Detainees report feeling safe, benefiting from good healthcare, a relaxed regime, and improved escort services. However, concerns persist regarding the length of detention, roof access, staff training, parking, and gate upgrades.
Matched on
classifier match
IMB recommendation
23match
Foston Hall (2020)
Accommodation in D wing and the healthcare unit requires considerable improvement (see paragraph 5.1.2).
Matched on
classifier match
IMB recommendation
23match
Ford (2021)
As mentioned above, we are delighted that at last the wooden accommodation billets have been condemned and are emptied. However we fail to understand why action was not taken earlier in view of the complaints made over many years. The subsequent attempt to turn the pods into double accommodation was completely unrealistic and in the opinion of the...
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
18match
PSOW-202406444 - Pembrokeshire County Council
Mr A complained that Pembrokeshire County Council (“the Council”) had failed to investigate and repair damp and mould issues at his home. There are ongoing issues with damp, particularly in the bedroom, where the carpet is wet and there is mould on the wardrobe. Mr A and his wife were having to sleep in the living room as...
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
18match
21-004-788 - Southampton City Council
Summary: Mr X complained on behalf of Ms B and Mr C that the Council failed to take action to ensure their landlord completed remedial works to their private rented property within a reasonable time. We found the Council took appropriate action to ensure the landlord completed the required works within a reasonable time given the difficulties caused...
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
18match
22-004-062 - London Borough of Croydon
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to issue a notice advising Ms X it was considering serving an Improvement Notice in connection with the property she rents out to tenants. This is because Ms X can appeal against an Improvement Notice to the First Tier Tribunal and this places the complaint outside our...
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
18match
21-011-841 - City of Doncaster Council
Summary: Mrs B complained the Council put her family in danger by failing to make a neighbouring property safe. She said the Council failed to deal with her complaints about pest infestation and nuisance and caused both her and her family distress, anxiety, and frustration. The Council was not at fault for its actions when making the property...
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
18match
24-005-913 - Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
Summary: We will not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint about the Council’s administration of a home improvement grant in 2022. This complaint was received outside the normal 12-month period for investigating complaints. There is no evidence to suggest that Mr X could not have complained to us sooner.
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
18match
24-007-169 - London Borough of Islington
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about a homeless hostel’s approach to substance misuse. That is because the Charity running the hostel is not within our jurisdiction. The Council has provided advice about how to report anti-social behaviour. Further investigation by us would not lead to a different outcome.
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
18match
24-006-835 - London Borough of Waltham Forest
Summary: X complained that the Council failed to properly respond to reports their rental accommodation suffered from disrepair and the landlord harassed and attempted to illegally evict X. We find the Council failed to properly consider its powers to tackle landlord harassment and retaliatory eviction, which caused X significant distress and risk of harm. The Council has agreed...
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
18match
24-009-616 - City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of disrepair issues at Ms X’s privately rented accommodation. This is because we are unlikely to find evidence of fault by the Council sufficient to warrant an investigation.
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
18match
202409021 - East Lothian Council
C complained that the council failed to reasonably respond to reports of damp and mould in their property. C also complained about the council’s handling of their complaint. The council said that they had commissioned an independent survey of the property. They also apologised for delaying with some repairs. We found that C was responsible for helping to...
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
18match
202310193 - West Dunbartonshire Council
C is a council tenant and lives with their family. C complained that the property they were living in suffered from significant problems with damp and mould. C believed that the conditions in the property were adversely affecting the family’s health and damaging their possessions. It was acknowledged by the council that C had been raising concerns for...
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
14match
25-001-558 - London Borough of Southwark
Summary: Mr X complained on behalf of Miss Y about the way the Council dealt with a House in Multiple Occupation licence application. The Council was at fault for adopting a blanket or uniform approach to the situation, failing to consider the circumstances of the case and failing to properly consider all information and explain its reasoning for...
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
14match
25-010-835 - Birmingham City Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an illegal eviction, theft and failure to pay for work completed at a rented property. We have not seen enough evidence of fault in the way the Council considered Mr X’s report of being evicted illegally. And we cannot achieve the outcome Mr X is seeking.
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
14match
PSOW-202205107 - Newport City Homes
Mrs D complained to the Ombudsman that Newport City Homes had not resolved several maintenance issues in respect of her property, leaving her house in a state of disrepair. The Ombudsman found that following Mrs D raising her complaint with the Body, which was escalated to Stage 2 in June 2022, the Body did not provide a written...
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
14match
PSOW-202404567 - Cardiff Council
Mr A complained that Cardiff Council had not resolved the damp and guttering issues at his property. The Ombudsman found that the Council had been aware of the issues with the guttering for many years and that these issues were the main cause of the damp issues in the property. The Ombudsman said that this caused inconvenience to...
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
14match
PSOW-202404580 - Flintshire County Council
Mrs P complained that Flintshire County Council (“the Council”) in its capacity as her landlord failed to take appropriate action to address a problem with water overflowing from guttering on a neighbouring private property against the wall of the property she rents. She said this had caused a damp problem in her kitchen. Having reviewed Mrs P’s complaint,...
Matched on
classifier match
LGO / SPSO decision
14match
22-002-177 - London Borough of Lambeth
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of Mr X’s complaint concerning an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation). This is because neither the fault by the Council nor the injustice caused to Mr X is sufficient to warrant an investigation.
Matched on
classifier match