An investigation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found the authority’s mistake caused “distress” to the couple in the adjoining house.
An investigation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found the authority’s mistake caused “distress” to the couple in the adjoining house, who had to contend with excessive noise over a period of five years before the error was realised.
The council’s adult social care department commissioned the supported living placements and had full nomination rights. But no work was undertaken, as the council placed a new resident in the property that August without telling the housing association. The report says in December 2021, Mr B asked the council about the change of use – and it was only then that the authority realised it had never sought permission.