A woman who was suffering mental health problems exacerbated by her housing situation has received an apology from City of York Council.
She lived in a housing association home outside the York council boundary. She wanted to live in York because her family and support system were there.
The resident, known as Ms X, said her home had rat issues and she suffered abuse by neighbours.
The North Yorkshire Home Choice (NYHC) organisation – which processes applications for social housing – encouraged her to apply to York council for housing.
Ms X was given a silver rehousing band based on her circumstances, but she felt her band had been incorrectly assessed and asked the housing association – on behalf of the council – to review it.
A report by the Local Government and Social Car Ombudsman said: “Ms X said no consideration had been given to the size of the property, the lack of facilities, the abuse by neighbours, rat issues and the detrimental this was having on her mental health.”
NYHC reviewed the decision and said it was correct.
The Ombudsman found fault, in that the council was unable to prove that its partner organisation had considered all the supporting evidence provided by the woman.
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The report said: “The council says it is unable to explain fully to Ms X the reasons why she was not considered to meet the criteria for gold banding.
“The council apologies for this and offered a further review. However, after a senior officer spoke with Ms X, the council decided the best outcome was to award Ms X gold banding which will allow her to bid on city of York properties from April 2022.
“Ms X is happy with this outcome.”