By Gavin Mackintosh And Lucy Caulkett-
Adult social services is to be investigated after a failed landlord was left in vulnerable circumstances, after receiving no care during his time without electricity , when he slept through two winters in the cold.
Robert Crow was notorious for presiding over properties in sub-optimal condition in which he accommodated the homeless for about six years in Southend’s most sought after Devereux Road. He was fined a total of £80k during successive cases over House of Multiple Occupation breaches,
Mr Crow died in July of cancer, after his health situation deteriorated significantly over the months from living without proper food or shelter.
An investigation has begun , evaluating the protocols, procedures, and guidelines that Southend Council’s Adult Social Services had in place at the time of Robert Crow’s case can help determine if there were any shortcomings in their approach to identifying, assessing, and responding to vulnerable individuals’ needs.
The expertise of external experts, such as professionals specializing in social work, healthcare, and ethics are set to examine an objective assessment of Southend Council’s practices and the quality of care provided to vulnerable individuals under their system.
Southend Council was made aware of the fact Mr Crow was living without electricity by this publication during media inquiries in 2022 about his case, having lost most of the flats in his property due to mortgage arrears after his benefits were stopped by the council.
A broad examination of the entire affair will examine how information about Robert Crow’s living conditions and well-being was communicated within the council and whether any red flags were raised that should have prompted action.
Richard Molongy from Southwark told The Eye Of Media.Com: ” A care package could have been arranged for him after he has been assessed, and he could have been referred to the local support to explore maximizing his benefits to enable him to pay his electricity bills.
Another social worker anonymously said: ” Mr Crow should have been supported better, especially if he had mental health issues. Support networks should have been used to support him and help him manage under the circumstances where he had lost everything and did not even have electricity
‘Definitely adult social workers could have been very useful in this respect, but it may have been psychologically difficult for the council because of their long bitter history of legal feuds with him.
‘Ultimately, Mr Crow himself should have done more to help himself, but it will be worth examining what different measures could have been taken in those circumstances that could have saved his life’.
Mr Crow had a long history of legal battles with Southend Borough Council because of the sub optimal state of his property, and his refusal to put the property in good condition.
He always alleged corruption by high level officials in the council whom he accused of colluding with the courts against him.
Multiple court cases that saw the besieged landlord pay several fines eventually led to his depression and self neglect.
A thorough assessment of the training provided to employees of Southend Council’s Adult Social Services might be necessary in terms of identifying vulnerable individuals, responding to cases, and ensuring the well-being of those under their care.
This review should will also include an evaluation of available resources and support mechanisms for employees dealing with complex cases.
Evaluation of Collaboration: Investigate how well different departments within Southend Council collaborated and shared information. Ensure that relevant information was communicated promptly between social services, housing authorities, health services, and any other relevant entities.
Based on the findings of the investigation, a set of actionable recommendations for Southend Council’s Adult Social Services to improve their processes, communication, and approach to vulnerable individuals will be provided.
These recommendations should focus on preventing similar incidents and ensuring the well-being of those under their care.
The investigation’s findings, including both strengths and weaknesses identified in Southend Council’s practices, will be presented transparently and objectively.
A comprehensive report is expected to be made available to the public once complted, ensuring accountability and promoting transparency.
After the investigation, an oversight mechanism will be recommended to put in place to ensure that the recommended changes are implemented effectively. Regular evaluations and reviews can help prevent recurrence of such incidents.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Robert Crow’s death should be meticulous, objective, and geared towards uncovering the truth, identifying potential failures, and making recommendations that improve the practices of Southend Council’s Adult Social Services.
The ultimate goal is to prevent similar cases in the future and ensure the well-being of vulnerable individuals under their care.
Some experts have said that Social Services should have conducted a thorough assessment of Robert Crow’s living conditions and well-being. This assessment would have included understanding the extent of his lack of electricity, heating, and other basic amenities.
In situations where an individual is living in unsafe conditions, social services have the authority to provide emergency assistance. This could include arranging temporary accommodation, supplying blankets, heaters, and other essentials to mitigate immediate risks.
Given the cold environment he was living in, it would have been important for social services to assess his health and potential risks. Cold temperatures can exacerbate existing health conditions and contribute to new ones.
Analysts believe Southend Borough Council had a role to play in Mr Crow’s life, but may have been psychologically hampered by the historical feud they had with him over a period of many years.
However, the practical challenges included the fact the council had long been at log aheads with the late landlord.
There is no evidence whether social services themselves were aware of his situation.
This publication has also been told to that we could have contacted social services ourselves in relation to his situation.
The provision of mediation and support to address any underlying issues facing the landlord might have involved assigning a dedicated social worker, facilitating open communication, and addressing any concerns or grievances.
Prolonged exposure to cold and stressful living conditions can have deleterious effects on the physical and mental well being of an individual, particularly the elderly
For two years, Mr Crow charged his phone at the local Mcdonalds, where he struggled to come to terms with his plight, having lost four of his properties.
The psychological toll of a feud can lead to heightened stress and anxiety, making it difficult for individuals to navigate complex situations or engage with authorities.
Longstanding feuds can foster a sense of self-reliance, causing individuals to feel that they must handle their problems independently, even when assistance is available.
Social workers could have engaged in empathetic conversations, acknowledging any past issues and expressing a genuine willingness to help without judgement.
Mediation sessions involving neutral parties could have provided a safe space for addressing grievances and resolving conflicts
Offering emotional support in addition to practical assistance can demonstrate genuine concern for the individual’s well-being, potentially overcoming psychological barriers.
Some social workers have suggested that external mediation could also have been pursued.
In cases of deep-seated feuds, involving external mediators or ombudsmen could provide an impartial perspective to facilitate resolution.
Mr Crow refused advice from his family and other parties to sell his property and avoid the feud with the council, but he stubbornly refused at his own peril.