Jacqueline Smith
21 Aug 2023 · Coroner Lydia Brown · West London
The coroner's concerns
1. insufficient staff training to deal with complex hoarder cases
“The inquest identified that there was insufficient staff training to deal with complex hoarder cases.”
2. lack of safety assessments
“Other safety assessments such as a fire assessment and/or environmental health assessment were not requested despite their being a clear need.”
3. inadequate support flowchart
“The council "flow chart" was clearly not fit for purpose to assist staff in progressing hoarder support and assistance and was focussed on enforcement procedures rather than tenant support.”
4. unclear options after failed assistance
“It was entirely unclear what options were available (if any) when the first plan of assistance completely failed, leaving the vulnerable tenant excluded from her property with no forward plan.”