Themes | Child Protection & Education | The Accountability Index

Unsafe canal barriers in housing

Inadequate or absent safety barriers near canals in housing developments, leading to child deaths.

74 items 5 sources

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Where this theme appears

This theme appears across 5 independent accountability sources, so the source mix matters as much as the headline total.

13 PFD reports 1 committee rec 2 IMB recs 1 IMB report 57 LGO/SPSO decisions

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5 sources

Prevention of Future Deaths reports(13)

01 May 2014 · North Yorkshire (West)

Concerns: 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.

Response (Canal River Trust): • The Trust undertook an investigation visit to the bridge. • The Trust's Health and Safety Advisor and the respondent separately inspected the steps. • The Trust confirmed the step … (AI summary)

29 Mar 2016 · South Yorkshire (West)

Concerns: 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.

Response (Hilton Hotel): • The hotel confirmed that the canal side is not a designated smoking area and has signage reinforcing this. • The hotel arranged for signage to be placed at canal … (AI summary)

Response (Canal and River Trust): • The Trust stated that two escape ladders and life rings were provided in the basin, and freeboard edges were maintained for self-rescue. • The Trust proposed to place two … (AI summary)

Casper Blackburn

03 Apr 2018 · Manchester (South)

Concerns: 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.

Response: • Trafford Council established a multi-agency water safety group and engaged with the Bridgewater Canal Company Limited regarding the coroner's concerns. • The Bridgewater Canal Company Limited stated that lighting … (AI summary)

Matthew Willoughby

19 Jan 2020 · Blackpool & Fylde

Concerns: 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.

Response (Landlord): • The landlord confirmed that adaptations to the windows in flat 10 had been replaced. • The landlord stated that all top floor flat windows had been checked for safety. (AI summary)

Philip Sheridan

20 Jan 2021 · West Yorkshire (East)

Concerns: 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.

Response (Ministry of Housing Communities Local Government): • The Ministry funded the National Association of Planning Enforcement (NAPE) to produce guidance for local authorities on enforcement functions. • The Ministry stated its intention to introduce stronger planning … (AI summary)

29 Oct 2021 · Inner North London

Concerns: 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.

Response (Clarion Housing Group): • Clarion Housing Group developed a "Flat roof Safety Plan" and a "Dangers of Flat Roofs – Guidance for our residents" document. • The resident guidance is now available on … (AI summary)

09 Mar 2022 · West Yorkshire, Western

Concerns: 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.

14 Mar 2022 · South Wales Central

Concerns: 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.

Response (Canal River Trust): • The Trust designed warning signage for placement on the 'kissing gates' on either side of the B4398. • The Trust sent the sign design for quotation and confirmed its … (AI summary)

19 May 2022 · East London

Concerns: The coroner identified that trains were not advised to proceed with caution by the signals controller when travelling through the area.

Response (Network Rail): • Network Rail enhanced the reporting system between Network Rail and MTR for signallers to contact the station directly. • Workshops were undertaken to train relevant staff. (AI summary)

07 Aug 2024 · Inner North London

Concerns: 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.

Response (Peabody Trust): • Peabody has installed temporary fencing at the canal side and prepared proposals for a new, permanent barrier, working with relevant parties for implementation. • The organisation is updating its … (AI summary)

Response (Islington Council): • Islington Council is working with Peabody Housing Association to bring forward a planning application for safety fencing at the Crest Buildings development. • The Council has held senior-level meetings … (AI summary)

Response (Mayor of London Greater London Authority): • The Mayor submitted a response to the government's consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework. • The Greater London Authority is in the early stages of reviewing the London … (AI summary)

Response (MHCLG): • MHCLG published an updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 12 December 2024. • The updated NPPF includes additional policy in paragraph 102 a) requiring consideration of the safety … (AI summary)

06 Nov 2024 · Inner North London

Concerns: 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.

Response (London Borough of Hackney): • A condition survey of external elements and balcony surface water drainage was undertaken on November 25, 2024. • Plumbers inspected pipework on November 27, 2024, finding it secure and … (AI summary)

30 Apr 2025 · West Sussex, Brighton and Hove

Concerns: 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.

Response (West Sussex County Council): • The authority designed proposals for additional infrastructure at the end of South Bank. • These proposals include replacing a missing wooden post with way-markers and installing bollards with reflectors. … (AI summary)

26 Feb 2026 · Cheshire

Concerns: 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.

Select committee recommendations(1)

Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation: 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, …

Response attribution not verified

IMB annual reports(1)

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.

IRC Key concerns

IMB individual recommendations(2)

Foston Hall (2020)

Accommodation in D wing and the healthcare unit requires considerable improvement (see paragraph 5.1.2).

HMPPS In Progress

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 Board would …

HMPPS In Progress

LGO / SPSO decisions(57)

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 …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Not Upheld Jul 2022

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 …

LGO (Local Government & … Planning Upheld Sep 2022

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 …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Mar 2025

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 …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Local Government Mar 2025

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 …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Housing Mar 2025

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, …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Local Government Mar 2025

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 …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Upheld May 2022

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 …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Jul 2022

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 …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Upheld Jul 2022

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.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Jun 2024

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.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Aug 2024

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.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Sep 2024

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 …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Upheld Jul 2025

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.

LGO (Local Government & … Environment And Regulation Nov 2025

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.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Nov 2024

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 …

SPSO (Scottish Public Se… Local Government Upheld Jun 2025

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 …

SPSO (Scottish Public Se… Local Government Upheld Jul 2025

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 …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Upheld Jan 2026

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 …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Jan 2026

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 …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Housing Feb 2023

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 …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Feb 2023

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 …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Housing Feb 2023

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 …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Housing Mar 2023

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 …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Housing Jul 2024

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. …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Local Government Dec 2024

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 …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Local Government Dec 2024

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.

LGO (Local Government & … Environment And Regulation May 2022

22-005-535 — Middlesbrough Borough Council

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council rejecting Mr X’s application for assistance to replace rotten wooden windows in his home. There is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Aug 2022

21-019-052 — London Borough of Lewisham

Summary: Miss X complained about delays and errors in how the Council considered her application for a home repair grant. There was fault in how the Council managed and responded to Miss X’s grant application. This caused Miss X uncertainty and frustration for which the Council agreed to apologise and …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Upheld Sep 2022

22-001-743 — Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Summary: Mrs B complained that the Council did not take sufficient action to ensure her landlord carried out repairs to her property to resolve damp issues. We found no fault with the Council’s actions.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Not Upheld Oct 2022

22-003-439 — Wiltshire Council

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s decision to return a property to residential use. He said the property attracts unwanted attention causing distress. We found no fault in the Council’s decision making.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Not Upheld Nov 2022

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.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Nov 2022

22-004-181 — London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Summary: The Council was not at fault in how it decided not take enforcement action against Mr X’s landlord in January 2022.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Not Upheld Dec 2022

22-011-597 — London Borough of Newham

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s refusal to act against the complainant’s neighbour. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. The Council is not responsible for resolving private civil disputes between …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Dec 2022

23-010-362 — Birmingham City Council

Summary: There was fault the Council did not consider whether a property was reasonable for a tenant to remain in occupation, during the period Mr X was seeking possession of the property. That fault caused Mr X an injustice. The Council has agreed to carry out my recommendations to remedy …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Upheld Apr 2024

23-007-485 — Worthing Borough Council

Summary: Ms X complained the Council placed an unsuitable tenant, Y, in her property, let through a Council scheme to support homeless people. Ms X also complained the Council failed to support Y when Ms X raised concerns about her behaviour. Ms X said Y damaged the property and she …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Upheld Apr 2024

24-005-416 — London Borough of Islington

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to implement recommendations from a noise survey. The Council has considered the recommendations to reduce the noise. However, it has advised it does not have the finances available to implement them. Further investigation will not lead to a different …

LGO (Local Government & … Other Categories Sep 2024

24-013-976 — Burnley Borough Council

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about how the Council responded to her reports of disrepair in her private rented accommodation. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Mar 2025

24-006-122 — London Borough of Croydon

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about what happened during the Council’s ‘buy back’ of Miss X’s leasehold property due to a regeneration project. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. The Council has …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Mar 2025

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.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Jul 2025

25-003-370 — Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council threatening him with legal action after serving him with notices issued to him as a private landlord. It was reasonable to expect Mr X to use his legal rights to appeal to the First Tier (Property Chamber) Tribunal against …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Aug 2025

25-004-904 — Lancaster City Council

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about advice the complainant says the Council gave to his tenant. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Aug 2025

25-003-818 — London Borough of Enfield

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s advice to Mr X’s tenant regarding his possession action and rent arrears. There is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Aug 2025

25-007-417 — East Suffolk Council

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to assist with a claim to compensate Ms X for damage to her belongings and decorations following water leaks during insulation works to her home. It was reasonable for Ms X to make a claim against the Council and …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Oct 2025

24-011-386 — Medway Council

Summary: Miss X complained about the Council’s lack of action and response to her reports when her landlord delayed fixing various disrepair issues at her property. We found the Council at fault for letting the case drift and the late point it found a Category 1 hazard. This caused Miss …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Upheld Oct 2025

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 …

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Upheld Oct 2025

24-012-087 — Derby City Council

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about action the Council has taken against Mr X as a landlord. It is reasonable for Mr X to use his right of appeal to a residential property tribunal, and we will not consider the matter instead.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Nov 2024

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.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Nov 2024

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.

LGO (Local Government & … Housing Dec 2025

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 …

PSOW (Public Services Om… Housing Mar 2024

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