Mr B, a visually‑impaired man who declared himself homeless in May 2023, was placed in a hotel that lacked any cooking facilities. Unable to prepare food, he was compelled to purchase a takeaway meal every day for the next 13 months, leaving him financially worse off.
In an outcome decision, the ombudsman welcomed the council’s offer of £3,350 but criticised the calculation, which was based on a flat rate of £150 per month. Citing the council’s own acknowledgement that Mr B had to buy daily meals and that his disability increased his vulnerability, the ombudsman argued that the appropriate range should be £150‑£350 per month and recommended a payment of £300 per month to reflect the extra travel costs and the strain of being away from his support network.
The council, which confirmed that it recognised the unsuitability of the hotel placement, said in June 2024 it would seek alternative accommodation for Mr B. It added that the city is under “enormous demand” for temporary housing, which can create challenges for residents awaiting suitable placements.
If the council adjusts the compensation as suggested, Mr B would receive a higher monthly allowance that better covers the cost of daily take‑aways and the additional expenses linked to his disability. The case highlights broader concerns about the adequacy of emergency housing provisions for vulnerable homeless individuals in Westminster.