The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has issued an apology following its failure to properly identify the abuse suffered by a homeless man. The council's oversight stemmed from its

failure to acknowledge the alleged abuse because it did not classify the alleged perpetrator as a 'relative', according to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

The man lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman after the council left him without proper accommodation when he fled the residence he shared with his sibling and their spouse. Despite his plea for assistance, the council inaccurately assumed that the man was staying with a friend and thus did not offer him interim accommodation.

It took the council a significant 11 weeks to inform the man that it recognized its duty to help prevent his homelessness, offering him a Personalized Housing Plan (PHP) at last.

Ms. Amerdeep Somal, representing the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, remarked, "The council's delays in confirming its obligations to the man, coupled with its failure to acknowledge the alleged abuse he endured, undoubtedly caused him uncertainty and distress during a time of crisis."

A spokesperson for Kensington and Chelsea expressed remorse, stating, "We take the support of victims of domestic abuse very seriously and extend our sincere apologies for failing to meet the standards our residents rightfully expect. We acknowledge the Ombudsman's findings and are actively implementing the recommended measures." Photo by User:Justinc, Wikimedia commons.