The bedrooms and kitchen were linked by a staircase, which the family's elderly grandmother became unable to manage. She could not enjoy normal interaction with her family, who tended to congregate in the kitchen. Social services tried to meet her needs, but by early 2001 the council conceded the accommodation wasn't suitable. Judges ordered suitable accommodation be found, but the grandmother died in September 2001 before it could be found.
The family said the failure to move them earlier had been an infringement of their human rights and claimed compensation. The judge dismissed the claim. The council had provided a home and did what it could to meet the family's needs – councils were not under a duty to eliminate all problems in order to "respect" family life. Southwark's delay was not excessive and there was no flagrant breach of its duty.
Source
Housing Today
Reference
Seasonal cheer for municipal insurers fearing an avalanche of human rights claims – but a sad reminder of the housing crisis for those in need.
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