Vulnerable people fire risk
Failure of social services and housing providers to proactively assess fire risks, identify vulnerable individuals, and implement preventative measures.
Source spread
Where this theme appears
This theme appears across 10 independent accountability sources, so the source mix matters as much as the headline total.
9 inquiry recs
33 PFD reports
5 committee recs
1 CQC action
1 PPO rec
2 IMB recs
1 Scottish FAI
6 DHR recs
20 LGO/SPSO decisions
Browse by source
Source-grouped records are useful for tracing where a concern came from. Large sections show the 50 strongest matches for that source; counts still show the full theme total.
Inquiry recommendations(9)
P1-33 — Require PEEP information in premises information box
Recommendation: The owner and manager of every high-rise residential building be required by law to include up-to-date information about persons with reduced mobility and their associated PEEPs in the premises information box.
Gov response: Sir Martin Moore-Bick’s Phase 1 report was exhaustive in detail and made a series of findings and recommendations relevant to government. As the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local …
Accepted in part
P1-32 — Require personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs)
Recommendation: The owner and manager of every high-rise residential building be required by law to prepare personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) for all residents whose ability to self-evacuate may be compromised (such as persons with reduced mobility or cognition).
Gov response: Sir Martin Moore-Bick’s Phase 1 report was exhaustive in detail and made a series of findings and recommendations relevant to government. As the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local …
Accepted in part
FENN-65 — Ban the sale of smokers' materials at all Underground stations
Recommendation: The sale of smokers' materials at Underground stations shall be banned.
Unknown
RONA-22 — Review storage rules for explosive materials in high blocks
Recommendation: The Regulations governing the storage of other potentially explosive materials in high blocks of flats should be reviewed (paragraph 173).
Unknown
P2-10 — Require fire safety strategy from registered fire engineer at Gateway 2
Recommendation: That it be made a statutory requirement that a fire safety strategy produced by a registered fire engineer to be submitted with building control applications (at Gateway 2) for the construction or refurbishment of any higher-risk building and for it …
Gov response: The government accepts this recommendation. A fire safety strategy is already required with building control applications for the construction of and significant work to higher-risk buildings. The Building Safety Regulator will consider how to make …
Accepted
P1-36 — Require understandable fire safety instructions
Recommendation: The owner and manager of every residential building containing separate dwellings (whether or not it is a high-rise building) be required by law to provide fire safety instructions (including instructions for evacuation) in a form that the occupants of the …
Gov response: Sir Martin Moore-Bick’s Phase 1 report was exhaustive in detail and made a series of findings and recommendations relevant to government. As the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local …
Accepted in part
P1-28 — National guidelines for high-rise evacuations
Recommendation: The government develop national guidelines for carrying out partial or total evacuations of high-rise residential buildings, such guidelines to include the means of protecting fire exit routes and procedures for evacuating persons who are unable to use the stairs in …
Gov response: The Chairman recommended that Government should develop national guidelines for carrying out evacuations of high-rise residential buildings. To do this, the Home Office and MHCLG have already formed a steering group together with the National …
Accepted in part
FENN-64 — Encourage non-smoking with warnings and provide stubbing bins at entrances
Recommendation: By audible and visual warnings London Underground must encourage passengers not to smoke. Stubbing bins shall be provided at station entrances.
Unknown
FENN-63 — Extend smoking prohibition to all underground station areas, including staff and shops
Recommendation: The present prohibition on smoking shall be extended to all areas of stations wholly or partly below ground, including staff accommodation and shops.
Unknown
Prevention of Future Deaths reports(33)
Vera Lillian Steel
Concerns: The coroner noted the availability of fire protective aprons for smokers and raised concerns that care homes are not encouraged to provide access to these measures for residents who smoke, following an incident where a resident's clothing caught fire.
Overdue
Betty Grace Payne
Concerns: The coroner identified a need for improved information sharing with the Fire Service about vulnerable individuals at risk of fire. Where information cannot be shared, local authority staff could receive training to conduct home fire safety checks.
Overdue
Julie Ann Camm
Concerns: The coroner noted the absence of smoke detectors in the property and that fire safety check procedures were not in place. The report recommends the property owner inspect all housing stock to ensure hard-wired or battery-operated smoke detectors are fitted.
Response (Leeds City Council): • The Electrical Specification was updated to require hard-wired smoke detection during any major electrical works, replacing the previous policy. • Annual tenancy visits, effective 1st April 2014, will include … (AI summary)
Responded
Alfred Hodges
Concerns: Concerns relate to vulnerable Telecare users in Conwy County lacking standard interlinked smoke alarms, with insufficient interim provisions during a two-year roll-out. The council also did not make the deceased aware of available free home fire safety checks.
Response (Conway): • The Council and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) reviewed current practice and agreed to fund a full-time post for six months to accelerate the installation of linked … (AI summary)
Responded
Sidney Harvey
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns about the presence of non-safety glass doors in rented properties where elderly people or children are occupants, and the lack of a system for replacing or making these doors safe.
Overdue
Anne Fowler
Concerns: The coroner identified that smoke alarm covers were left in place after fitting, potentially preventing them from activating, and notes alarms were often inaccessible due to their ceiling location.
Overdue
John Hills
Concerns: The coroner raises concerns about the lack of fire hazard warnings on paraffin-based emollient creams like Cetraben and insufficient communication of fire risks to patients. Existing guidance may not adequately cover proprietary creams with lower paraffin content.
Response (CFOA): • CFOA disseminated information from the case to all fire and rescue services through internal communications channels. • CFOA will use its safety campaign weeks and other channels to promote … (AI summary)
Overdue
Emma Waring
Concerns: The coroner noted the absence of compulsory inclusion of automatic water suppression systems (domestic sprinklers) in the design and building phases of residential properties, particularly those for vulnerable individuals, to enhance fire safety.
Response (RBH): • RBH properties are fitted with hard-wired smoke detection systems. • RBH established a Service Level Agreement with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service for Safe & Well visits to … (AI summary)
Responded
William Thompson
Concerns: A high-risk service user lacked a smoke detector in their bedroom, and social workers had not considered this despite known fire risks and previous fire brigade call-outs.
Response (William Thompson): • The Hackney Safeguarding Adults Board commissioned a Safeguarding Adults Review under the Care Act 2014. • Other measures have been implemented by the Council and its partners, as detailed … (AI summary)
Responded
Sadie Peters, Joseph Peters and George Peters
Concerns: The coroner raises concerns about insufficient awareness among caravan users and residents regarding the importance of fitting and maintaining smoke detectors in mobile and static caravans.
Response (Peters): • The Caravan Club provides advice and guidance to its members on fire safety, including a recommendation to fit smoke detectors. • The Club periodically reminds members about the need … (AI summary)
Response (Surrey Fire and Rescue Service): • Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) conducted community fire safety visits at identified mobile and static caravan sites, fitting smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. • SFRS continues to employ … (AI summary)
Overdue
Sharon Soares
Concerns: Concerns were raised regarding Bio Ethanol burners, which have been linked to at least a second fatality in the area, alongside previous deaths and numerous accidental injuries reported nationally.
Overdue
Brian MaClean
Concerns: The coroner noted a lack of proactive risk assessment and understanding by Social Services regarding the deceased's fire risks. Concerns were raised about the absence of processes for fire risk identification, referrals to the fire service, and installation of appropriate fire suppression systems and assistive technology in properties by the housing provider.
Response (Manchester City Council): • All contacts closed or viewed as non-urgent by the involved officers have been reviewed. • Further training will be provided for all Contact Centre staff regarding the Care Act, … (AI summary)
Overdue
Jac Davies
Concerns: The coroner identified that landlords in Wales are not under a legal duty to install working smoke alarms in rented properties, contrasting with the legal requirements in England.
Response: • The Welsh Government is consulting on draft regulations under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. • These draft regulations propose to place a legal duty on landlords to install … (AI summary)
Responded
Ian Leak
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns that the 'Stay Put' policy and independent fire alarm systems at Honiton Oaks did not provide adequate external monitoring for individual flats, especially for residents with mobility problems who might struggle to escape during a fire.
Response (Peak Valley Housiing Asscoiation): • The organisation approved a design for improvements to the fire alarm systems at Honiton Oaks. • The design includes the installation of combined heat and smoke detectors in residents' … (AI summary)
Overdue
Kevin Freely
Concerns: The coroner noted insufficient awareness among patients and care organisations regarding the fire hazard of paraffin-based skin products combined with smoking and airflow mattresses. Concerns were also raised about the lack of risk assessments and an operational smoke detector.
Overdue
Brian Bicat
Concerns: The coroner identified inadequate fire hazard warnings on packaging for paraffin-based emollients, insufficient awareness among healthcare professionals, and a lack of consistent advice and data collection regarding their safe use.
Response (Bradford District Care NHS Trust): • The Trust produced and disseminated safety information leaflets and fire hazard posters for patients and staff, uploading them to the NHSI improvement hub. • Awareness of emollient hazards was … (AI summary)
Response (Alliance Pharmaceuticals and Bayer): • Alliance Pharmaceuticals completed a product labelling review for its Hydromol range, implementing new warning text on packaging and committing to making revised materials available in 2018-2019. • Alliance Pharmaceuticals … (AI summary)
Response (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency): • The MHRA wrote to manufacturers to raise awareness of potential fire risks and the need for warnings on packaging or in instructions for use. • The MHRA asked UK … (AI summary)
Overdue
Mihaela Lazar
Concerns: The coroner identified inadequate fire safety provisions in maisonettes, noting a lack of early fire detection, warning systems, and protected escape routes from upper floors. Many older properties have not been upgraded to current standards, posing significant risk.
Overdue
Tony Goodridge
Concerns: The coroner noted that the property lacked a smoke alarm and the London Fire Brigade experienced difficulties accessing the premises due to parked vehicles.
Overdue
Christopher Hart
Concerns: The coroner noted that Johnnie Johnson Housing imposes no conditions on tenants regarding furniture fire safety standards and is not undertaking a formal review into introducing sprinkler systems into its properties.
Response (Johnnie Johnson Housing): • The housing provider updated its advisory information on fire safety regulations. (AI summary)
Responded
Riley Holt, Keegan Unitt, Tilly-Rose Unitt and Olly Unitt
Concerns: The coroner noted that children under 16, particularly boys, may not respond to conventional smoke alarms. This indicates a need for fire suppression systems to be legally required in all new-build properties in England.
Response (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government): • The relevant technical committee at the British Standards Institute considered the specific issue of smoke alarms waking children. • An amendment to BS 5839-6 was issued this year, taking … (AI summary)
Responded
Neil Barre
Concerns: The coroner noted that Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service might benefit from awareness when domiciliary care recipients do not use provided special fire safety equipment, suggesting improved communication with care providers.
Response (Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service): • Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service will conduct a fatal fire review to identify multi-agency learning and inform future prevention and partnership activity. • The service operates an 'Olive Branch' … (AI summary)
Responded
Sylvia Griffiths
Concerns: The coroner identified a need for improved communication regarding fire/smoke alarms designed for people with dementia and greater collaboration with support groups to promote their use.
Response (Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service): • Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service will conduct a fatal fire review to capture multi-agency learning and inform prevention activity. • The findings from the inquest, particularly regarding fire and … (AI summary)
Responded
Henry Boddy
Concerns: The coroner noted a gap in enforcement powers to address fire risks in residential properties, particularly those arising from hoarding behaviour.
Response (Home Office): • The Home Office stated that the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to communal areas of residential buildings, and Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs) can issue prohibition notices … (AI summary)
Overdue
James Golds
Concerns: The coroner identified insufficient guidance for care facilities on managing fire risk from residents and its escalation. Concerns also included the absence of a statutory requirement for sprinkler systems in such accommodation, alongside potentially delayed smoke detector activation.
Response (Department for Levelling Up Housing Communities): • The Government reduced the height threshold for mandatory sprinkler systems in new blocks of flats from 30 metres to 11 metres in November 2020. • A full technical review … (AI summary)
Responded
Daphne Holloway and Ivy Spriggs
Concerns: Sprinkler systems are not a mandatory requirement for care homes with immobile occupants, and such homes are not deemed 'Higher Risk Buildings' unless they meet specific height or storey criteria, despite occupant vulnerability.
Overdue
Saima Usman
Concerns: The coroner noted that privately rented accommodation in the London Borough of Wandsworth lacks a registered landlord scheme, meaning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are not required. This absence increases the risk of death from fire or CO exposure for residents.
Overdue
Reginald Cauthery
Concerns: The telecare service was not reviewed despite a patient's increased fire risk and deteriorating mobility. A smoke alarm not connected to the telecare system delayed emergency services for a vulnerable person living alone.
Response (TEC Services Association): • TSA initiated an investigation into the incident through its subsidiary, TEC Quality Ltd. • TSA will issue guidance to all certified monitoring organisations regarding procedures for calls where an … (AI summary)
Response (Home Care Quality Commission): • The organisation contacted the regulated provider, Best Choice Global Limited, to discuss lessons learned. • The organisation stated that the matters of concern regarding telecare and fire service links … (AI summary)
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): • The Department published the "What Good Looks Like" framework for adult social care. • This framework reminds local authorities to consider the role of technology-enabled care and the linking … (AI summary)
Response (UK Telehealthcare): • UK Telehealthcare stated it recommends to its members and the Technology Enabled Care (TEC) sector that monitored smoke, rapid heat, and fire detectors be provided to elderly and vulnerable … (AI summary)
Response (Lodon Borough of Hackney): • The Council considered ways to address the coroner's concerns regarding fire risk for vulnerable persons. • The Council set out ways to address its procedures and guidance within its … (AI summary)
Response (Home Office): • The Home Office sought information from London Fire Brigade on its policy regarding telecare systems. • The Home Office will share information from this case with the National Fire … (AI summary)
Responded
Brian Harfield
Concerns: The coroner highlights the lack of compulsory sprinkler or fire safety provisions for individuals in extra care facilities or retirement housing receiving care at home. This group's declining health and mobility increase their fire risk, a gap not addressed by current consultations.
Response (Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities): • The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has a dedicated research workstream in place to gather evidence on sprinklers and other fire protection measures in specialised housing. • … (AI summary)
Responded
Christopher Evans
Concerns: The coroner identified a deficiency in the regulatory framework for HMOs accommodating vulnerable persons, which means there is no requirement to assess and manage scalding risks or for regulatory oversight by bodies like CQC or HSE.
Overdue
Paul Keating
Concerns: The coroner noted the local authority lacked statutory power to install sprinkler systems in private dwellings without occupant consent. This meant Mr. Keating's flat was the only one not connected to the tower block's fire safety system.
Response (Leeds City Council): • Leeds City Council described its proactive approach to improving fire safety in its tower blocks, including the installation of sprinkler systems. • Leeds City Council stated it would provide … (AI summary)
Response (Home Office): • The Home Office stated that the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) provides local authorities with powers to assess and enforce fire safety in residential premises, including requiring … (AI summary)
Responded
Gabrielle Steel
Concerns: The coroner noted insufficient follow-up by an occupational therapist and social worker regarding a fire safety visit's outcome. There was also a lack of communication from the London Fire Brigade, which shared findings only with the vulnerable individual and did not provide the written risk assessment to her carers or family, preventing a risk management plan from being implemented.
Response (Newham Council): • The Council conducted a detailed review of the case and updated its action plan following the inquest findings. • The Council will hold a reflective case discussion and provide … (AI summary)
Response (London Fire Brigade): • The London Fire Brigade is reviewing its processes for sharing home fire safety visit findings with third parties, including engaging with its Information Management Team and consulting the Information … (AI summary)
Responded
Liam Allan
Concerns: Concerns were raised regarding inadequate lighting and inconsistent reflective markings on riverside buoyancy aids, hindering their rapid deployment. Additionally, the communication process between the Metropolitan Police Service and the London Fire Brigade relies on a slower telephone system instead of faster electronic transfer, potentially delaying emergency response.
Response (London Fire Brigade): • The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has made significant changes to its radio system and is upgrading systems for electronic incident data sharing with the Metropolitan Police Service. • LFB … (AI summary)
Response (National Fire Chiefs Council): • The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) confirmed that a Multi-Agency Information Transfer (MAIT) system, which facilitates electronic information exchange between agencies, is currently being implemented in all fire control … (AI summary)
Response (London Borough of Barking and Dagenham): • The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham stated it would initiate a borough-wide survey of waterbodies and riverside locations to identify safety infrastructure and assess risks. • The Borough … (AI summary)
Response (London Borough of Havering): • The Council stated it would not take action regarding communications between emergency services, considering it a matter for those services. • Risk assessments for life buoys at inland water … (AI summary)
Response (City of London): • The City of London Corporation has committed to improving the lighting and reflective markings on all riverside buoyancy aids within its jurisdiction. • A project plan is being developed … (AI summary)
Responded
Jacqueline Joseph
Concerns: The coroner noted that a housing association property, managed by Squared (Luton Community Housing Ltd), had two incorrectly installed battery-operated smoke alarms.
Response (Squared): • A comprehensive smoke and carbon monoxide alarm audit has been completed across all homes, with identified issues being surveyed and remedied. • The customer sign-up process has been enhanced … (AI summary)
Responded
Select committee recommendations(5)
#12 —
Recommendation: The Department understands there are around 40,000 care homes, sheltered homes, and hospitals (i.e. buildings with residents who might need significant assistance to evacuate) below 18 metres in England, of which 98% are below 11 metres (less than four storeys).40 …
Response attribution not verified
#11 —
Recommendation: One category of buildings below 18 metres that might present increased risks are care homes. In January 2020 the Department published advice from its independent expert advisory panel that buildings of any height with residents who need significant assistance to …
Response attribution not verified
#16 —
Recommendation: We recommend that the Government specify in the Bill itself by way of a requirement to “have regard” the factors that must be considered in the future when the scope of the regime is expanded and that the ability of …
Response attribution not verified
#15 —
Recommendation: On balance, we consider the initial definition of “higher-risk building” proposed by the Government to be reasonable and practical, though we agree with the evidence calling for the scope to be widened in the future to include a great number …
Response attribution not verified
#9 —
Recommendation: We agree with our witnesses that housing disrepair, particularly damp and mould, is often aggravated by the inability of tenants to heat or ventilate their homes properly or by overcrowding, or by a mixture of both. We also agree that …
Response attribution not verified
CQC inspection actions(1)
PPO death in custody recommendations(1)
IMB individual recommendations(2)
Bure (2025)
The Governor should ensure adequate heating is provided in Residential Unit 7, especially for elderly and vulnerable prisoners, and resolve the ongoing issue with the heating system.
Governor / Director
Styal (2021)
There is a significant fire risk to prisoners who reside in the 16 houses which have not yet been refurbished at Styal. A recent survey has classed all of these buildings as red fire risk. These risks include the existence of false ceilings, and ceilings made of lath and plaster, which would require expensive and specialist repair to be brought …
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
LGO / SPSO decisions(20)
22-004-363 — London Borough of Newham
Summary: Mr Y complained about the way the Council dealt with his request that it recall two outstanding penalty charge notice debts from its enforcement agents because he is a vulnerable person. We found fault in how the Council considered his request. But this fault did not cause Mr Y …
LGO (Local Government & …
Transport And Highways
Upheld
Nov 2022
PSOW-202310243 — Swansea Council
Ms K complained that Swansea Council failed to issue a response to her complaint, which she made to it in October 2023. The Ombudsman found that whilst the Council had logged Ms K’s concerns as a Stage 1 complaint, it had failed to provide a complaint response. She said that …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Local Government
Apr 2024
PSOW-202400091 — Pobl
Ms X complained that Pobl had failed to deal with her complaints about damp and mould in her property or to update her. The Ombudsman found that there had been a delay in Pobl dealing with Ms X’s complaint and it had not updated her, although after the Ombudsman approached …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Apr 2024
PSOW-202406351 — Cardiff Council
Ms A complained that she was unhappy with Cardiff Council’s (“the Council”) actions in respect of housing repairs to her property. The Ombudsman decided that although the Council was undertaking works to resolve Ms A’s concerns, the issues had been ongoing for some time. Further, the Council had recently undertaken …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Local Government
Jan 2025
PSOW-202407199 — Bron Afon Community Housing Ltd
Miss B complained that Bron Afon Community Housing Ltd had failed to address her concerns regarding the damp in her property and the repairs needed. The Ombudsman found that the Housing Association had not addressed Miss B’s concerns through the complaints procedure despite her making numerous calls to the Housing …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Housing
Jan 2025
PSOW-202407682 — Newport City Homes
Miss A complained that Newport City Homes (“the Housing Association”) failed to address issues including vermin, damp and heating at her home, which had been ongoing since September 2023. Windows would not lock and repairs to pipework, undertaken following flooding at the property, were not completed properly. Miss A was …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Jan 2025
PSOW-202005732 — Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association Ltd
Miss X complained that repair work to various issues in her home had been ongoing and unfinished since 2019,and that when repairs were carried out, they were not sufficient and the problems re-occurred and she felt that they were just temporary fixes. In considering the complaint, I was concerned about …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Housing
Apr 2021
PSOW-202004981 — Swansea Council
Dr S complained that he was experiencing damp issues following repairs to the neighbouring Council property and that the Council were slow in responding to the matter and his complaint. The repair works have since been completed. ER – Council to apologise and explain the reasons for the delay and …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Local Government
Apr 2021
PSOW-202101737 — Hafod Housing Association
Miss X complained that Hafod Housing Association had not provided a response or explanation to address her concerns about the damage caused to her grandmother’s property resulting in a gas leak at her property. The Ombudsman decided that the Authority should provide a written response to Miss X to provide …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Housing
Jun 2021
PSOW-202006074 — Bron Afon Community Housing Ltd
Ms X complained that Bron Afon Community Housing (“the Housing Association”) failed to carry out repairs to her home. She stated that she had experienced problems for a number of years. The Ombudsman noted Ms X’s concerns and asked the Housing Association to carry out action in resolution of the …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Housing
Jun 2021
PSOW-202100009 — Tai Tarian
Mr X complained about issues in relation to a boundary wall between his property and a neighbouring property that is owned by the Association. In considering the complaint, the Ombudsman was concerned that Mr X had been inconvenienced by the Association’s actions. The Association advised that they had previously dealt …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Jun 2021
PSOW-202100196 — Monmouthshire Housing Association
Mr X’s main complaint was that the Monmouthshire Housing Association (“the Housing Association”) delayed in identifying and remedying a wood worm infestation at his property. The Ombudsman found that the problem had been ongoing for over 18 months for several reasons beyond Mr X’s control. The Ombudsman also found evidence …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Housing
Jun 2021
PSOW-202100392 — Cynon Taf Community Housing Group
Miss Y complained that Cynon Taf Housing Group (“the Housing Association”) failed to carry out works to her property which it had previously agreed. She explained that she suffered with medical conditions and the damp, cold and mouldy conditions of the property caused her health to deteriorate. The Ombudsman decided …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Housing
Jun 2021
PSOW-202006116 — Swansea Council
Mr A complained that since the Council had carried out work and renewed parts of the heating system in his home, it had become noisy and did not maintain the temperature level of heat that he had previously received. An assessment of Mr A’s complaint found that the Council had …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Local Government
Jun 2021
PSOW-202101940 — Swansea Council
Mr X complained to the Ombudsman about damage that was caused to his property as a result of a leak which occurred from the property above his. The Council’s insurers refused his claim for compensation on the basis that no negligence existed. In considering the complaint, the Ombudsman noted that …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Local Government
Jul 2021
PSOW-202402960 — Trivallis
Mr B complained about the way the housing association Trivallis (“the Association”) dealt with reports of repairs at his home. The Ombudsman investigated whether the Association responded appropriately to reports of damp and mould and a broken boiler. The investigation found that the Association did not respond appropriately to reports …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Oct 2025
PSOW-202405250 — Trivallis
Mrs C complained about whether Trivallis (“the Association”) responded appropriately to reports of damp and mould made by her between November 2023 and the present time. The investigation found that the Association did not always respond appropriately to reports of damp and mould. Reports of issues in Mrs C’s home …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Oct 2025
PSOW-202503002 — Cardiff Council
Mr A complained about mould and damp in his property, and the cleaning of his windows. The Ombudsman recognised that whilst Cardiff Council (“the Council”) had taken steps to alleviate issues, Mr A continued to report mould and damp in his home. There was also dispute over whether the windows …
PSOW (Public Services Om…
Local Government
Oct 2025
24-010-418 — Crawley Borough Council
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council misled a tribunal and the courts. The law prevents us from investigating what happened in court or tribunal proceedings.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Oct 2024
24-002-386 — Portsmouth City Council
Summary: Miss X complained the Council failed to fulfil its duties when she reported disrepair in her private rented accommodation. She also complained about a telephone call with a Council officer. We find no fault in the Council’s decision making or in the customer service provided.
LGO (Local Government & …
Housing
Not Upheld
Oct 2024
Domestic Homicide Reviews(6)
Norfolk — recommendation 9
All statutory, voluntary, or private services’ practitioners and carers whose role includes home safety advice and where a service user has or are intending to install privately purchased wi-fi enabled fire alarms, should strongly advise that at least two devices should be linked to the alarms to ensure back-up if …
All statutory, voluntary, or private services’ …
Norfolk — recommendation 8
Websites including the Norfolk County Council assisted technology site, the Fire & Rescue Service home safety site, and other county websites which give home safety advice, to insert a prominently displayed message, strongly advising that at least two people’s phones, tablets or similar devices should be linked to wi-fi enabled …
Norfolk County Council | Norfolk Fire …
Norfolk County Council
Norfolk — recommendation 7
All services providing care and/or home safety advice to vulnerable adults should include the promotion of the County Council’s assistive technology equipment which includes telephone call centre back-up for emergencies when a family member or carer cannot be contacted. This information must always be included where a pendant alarm is …
All services providing care and/or home …
Norfolk — recommendation 9
All statutory, voluntary, or private services’ practitioners and carers whose role includes home safety advice and where a service user has or are intending to install privately purchased wi-fi enabled fire alarms, should strongly advise that at least two devices should be linked to the alarms to ensure back-up if …
All statutory, voluntary, or private services’ …
Norfolk — recommendation 8
Websites including the Norfolk County Council assisted technology site, the Fire & Rescue Service home safety site, and other county websites which give home safety advice, to insert a prominently displayed message, strongly advising that at least two people’s phones, tablets or similar devices should be linked to wi-fi enabled …
Norfolk County Council | Norfolk Fire …
Norfolk County Council
Norfolk — recommendation 6
That statutory regulations governing Smoke and Cabon Monoxide Alarms be amended to include the requirement that all internet enabled alarms must be linked to a minimum of 2 devices to ensure alerts can be acted upon at all times. Manufacturers must ensure the system cannot become operational until this is …
Department for Levelling Up, Housing & …
Ministry of Housing, Communities …