Title

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OMBUDSMAN

Councils take action after ombudsman criticism

Two west London councils failed to work together effectively to support a woman at risk of domestic violence, the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) has found.

Two west London councils failed to work together effectively to support a woman at risk of domestic violence, the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) has found.

The woman had asked Brent LBC to help her move away from the area due to serious threats from her ex-partner.

However, despite having a reciprocal agreement in place with six neighbouring authorities to re-house tenants who are victims of domestic abuse, the ombudsman said the council ‘inappropriately' spent several months looking into a managed move within the borough.

When the case was finally passed on to Ealing LBC it then took 11 weeks to process her application instead of the agreed five working days, which stopped other authorities from accepting her case.

LGO Dr Jane Martin said: ‘When people are particularly vulnerable, it is all the more important that organisations work together effectively to remove them from possible harm.' 

The LGO said Brent had subsequently retrained frontline staff about its domestic violence procedure while Ealing had arranged for a designated officer to act as a central point for all referrals made under the reciprocal scheme. 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OMBUDSMAN

Ombudsman uncovers 'systemic failings' at Lewisham

By William Eichler | 07 October 2025

An investigation into Lewisham LBC has exposed widespread failings in how the authority manages housing repairs, complaints and properties.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OMBUDSMAN

Modern city governance –New York style

By Professor Bruce Katz | 07 October 2025

Bruce Katz sets out four key lessons London and other cities can draw on from New York’s progression as a global success story since its birth, based on mark...

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OMBUDSMAN

Reorganisation, Reform and devolution

By Ann McGauran | 02 October 2025

Change is rippling through local government, from structural reform and new combined authorities, to health integration and the push for financial sustainabi...

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OMBUDSMAN

Beyond winning and losing: leadership lessons for LGR

By Max Wide | 01 October 2025

Max Wide explores the leadership choices posed by reorganisation and reflects on how collaboration, cultural integration and private sector insights can help...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman