A woman turned away five times by the council was left homeless and sleeping on the night bus, the local government ombudsman found.

The woman, who can't be named, first approached the council in January 2015 after she was evicted, at which time the council placed her in a hostel for three nights.

But the council did not give her a formal decision about her homeless status, despite her seeing them four further times over the following 15 months, leaving her homeless in the winter months.

LGO Michael King said: “Councils are legally required to issue a written decision to people who approach them as homeless.

“Without this those people are left in limbo; denied their review and appeal rights, and are potentially without access to accommodation which they might need.”

At one point during this period the woman was hospitalised for ten days due to a severe asthma attack.

The woman and her father complained to the LGO as they had no way to challenge the council’s decision and were told she was not a priority need.

Since the complaint was lodged the council has apologised and offered the woman temporary accommodation, which she has refused.

The LGO has recommended the council provide her with a written decision on her homelessness application, pay her £300 and her father £200 in compensation.

Barnet Homes said it accepts the findings of the LGO offer “unreserved apologies” and paid compensation to those involved, as well as giving an improvement plan to the LGO separately.