Concerns raised 3
Failure to determine concerns of cuckooing of tenants View source Failure to determine responsibility for substantial damage to tenants’ homes View source Failure to work through an appropriate response to suspected cuckooing before seeking possession View source
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Linked response
Sanctuary Housing Association
Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised. 4
Sanctuary Housing Association
Maintain a multi-agency approach to safeguarding adults, ASB and cuckooing in accordance with existing policies and procedures.
View source
Sanctuary Housing Association
Conduct an internal review following the Coroner’s findings to identify improvements to the multi-agency approach to ASB and cuckooing.
View source
Sanctuary Housing Association
Develop training and additional guidance complementing existing safeguarding and cuckooing policies and procedures, with external legal advisers.
View source
Sanctuary Housing Association
Develop specific additional safeguarding and cuckooing guidance for front-line housing staff.
View source See 1 more action
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AI-generated summary
Callum Hargreaves · Prevention of Future Deaths report
This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.
Report summary
Callum Hargreaves died after his body was recovered from the sea in Newquay on 20 January 2024, having suffered multiple injuries consistent with a fall from height; the inquest recorded suicide. The principal concern was the response to suspected cuckooing of his social-housing flat, including uncertainty about who caused substantial damage, a period of homelessness, and the decision to serve a Notice Seeking Possession shortly before his death.
Read the report on judiciary.uk
× Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to determine concerns of cuckooing of tenants
Wider context from the report “1) Callum had a flat at Silverdale Court in Newquay that was provided by Sanctuary Housing. From circa 2020, there were concerns that he was being cuckooed. A new Housing officer was appointed in mid-2022 and was made aware of these concerns although information from the police was that Callum had invited others into the flat. The Officer tried to speak to Callum who proved evasive. The Officer was surprised when a survey conducted in mid-2023 revealed over £10,000 damage, that the flat was uninhabitable and likely had been for some time.
This gave rise to the question of who would accommodate Callum going forward. The issue was discussed at seven Safeguarding conferences. Sanctuary Housing agreed to provide Callum with decant accommodation out of goodwill but there was a lengthy period when Callum was homeless and sleeping rough.
The issue of whether Callum was being cuckooed or not appeared not to have been determined while he was alive. At inquest, it was established he had been.
The issue of who had caused the damage at Callum’s flat ie Callum himself, or those who had cuckooed him, appeared not to have been explored or determined during his life. At inquest, it was felt more likely to have been done by those without permission to be in the flat.
This led to the question of what was an appropriate response to the discovery of the damage. It was recognised that a tenant who caused substantial damage to his flat may reasonably expect to be evicted by his landlord. Equally, it was felt that a vulnerable tenant ruthlessly exploited by thugs who took over his flat deserved support and assistance and not punishment. It was felt this had not been worked through by Sanctuary Housing before it made the decision to serve a Notice Seeking Possession on Callum who took his own life only weeks after its receipt.
Going forward, the issue for Sanctuary Housing is how it should respond to concerns of cuckooing of its tenants.
Please see paragraphs 150-160 of the enclosed judgment for further detail.
” Source location Callum Hargreaves · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to determine responsibility for substantial damage to tenants’ homes
Wider context from the report “1) Callum had a flat at Silverdale Court in Newquay that was provided by Sanctuary Housing. From circa 2020, there were concerns that he was being cuckooed. A new Housing officer was appointed in mid-2022 and was made aware of these concerns although information from the police was that Callum had invited others into the flat. The Officer tried to speak to Callum who proved evasive. The Officer was surprised when a survey conducted in mid-2023 revealed over £10,000 damage, that the flat was uninhabitable and likely had been for some time.
This gave rise to the question of who would accommodate Callum going forward. The issue was discussed at seven Safeguarding conferences. Sanctuary Housing agreed to provide Callum with decant accommodation out of goodwill but there was a lengthy period when Callum was homeless and sleeping rough.
The issue of whether Callum was being cuckooed or not appeared not to have been determined while he was alive. At inquest, it was established he had been.
The issue of who had caused the damage at Callum’s flat ie Callum himself, or those who had cuckooed him, appeared not to have been explored or determined during his life. At inquest, it was felt more likely to have been done by those without permission to be in the flat.
This led to the question of what was an appropriate response to the discovery of the damage. It was recognised that a tenant who caused substantial damage to his flat may reasonably expect to be evicted by his landlord. Equally, it was felt that a vulnerable tenant ruthlessly exploited by thugs who took over his flat deserved support and assistance and not punishment. It was felt this had not been worked through by Sanctuary Housing before it made the decision to serve a Notice Seeking Possession on Callum who took his own life only weeks after its receipt.
Going forward, the issue for Sanctuary Housing is how it should respond to concerns of cuckooing of its tenants.
Please see paragraphs 150-160 of the enclosed judgment for further detail.
” Source location Callum Hargreaves · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to work through an appropriate response to suspected cuckooing before seeking possession
Wider context from the report “1) Callum had a flat at Silverdale Court in Newquay that was provided by Sanctuary Housing. From circa 2020, there were concerns that he was being cuckooed. A new Housing officer was appointed in mid-2022 and was made aware of these concerns although information from the police was that Callum had invited others into the flat. The Officer tried to speak to Callum who proved evasive. The Officer was surprised when a survey conducted in mid-2023 revealed over £10,000 damage, that the flat was uninhabitable and likely had been for some time.
This gave rise to the question of who would accommodate Callum going forward. The issue was discussed at seven Safeguarding conferences. Sanctuary Housing agreed to provide Callum with decant accommodation out of goodwill but there was a lengthy period when Callum was homeless and sleeping rough.
The issue of whether Callum was being cuckooed or not appeared not to have been determined while he was alive. At inquest, it was established he had been.
The issue of who had caused the damage at Callum’s flat ie Callum himself, or those who had cuckooed him, appeared not to have been explored or determined during his life. At inquest, it was felt more likely to have been done by those without permission to be in the flat.
This led to the question of what was an appropriate response to the discovery of the damage. It was recognised that a tenant who caused substantial damage to his flat may reasonably expect to be evicted by his landlord. Equally, it was felt that a vulnerable tenant ruthlessly exploited by thugs who took over his flat deserved support and assistance and not punishment. It was felt this had not been worked through by Sanctuary Housing before it made the decision to serve a Notice Seeking Possession on Callum who took his own life only weeks after its receipt.
Going forward, the issue for Sanctuary Housing is how it should respond to concerns of cuckooing of its tenants.
Please see paragraphs 150-160 of the enclosed judgment for further detail.
” Source location Callum Hargreaves · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Open source report
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Maintain a multi-agency approach to safeguarding adults, ASB and cuckooing in accordance with existing policies and procedures.
Verbatim wording from the response “1.22 Sanctuary's Safeguarding Adults – Group Procedure is clear that Sanctuary operate a multi-agency approach to safeguarding adults. Sanctuary implements robust safeguarding procedures to protect its tenants and residents from harm and ensure their well-being. These procedures include reporting mechanisms, a commitment to partnership working with other agencies, and a focus on prevention and protection. These procedures are regularly reviewed and updated as required.” Source location Response from Sanctuary Housing
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Conduct an internal review following the Coroner’s findings to identify improvements to the multi-agency approach to ASB and cuckooing.
Verbatim wording from the response “(a) Sanctuary is committed to an internal review following the Coroner's findings to identify any improvements that can be made to our multi-agency approach to ASB and cuckooing.” Source location Response from Sanctuary Housing
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Develop training and additional guidance complementing existing safeguarding and cuckooing policies and procedures, with external legal advisers.
Verbatim wording from the response “(c) In line with Sanctuary’s existing ASB Action Plan we are already considering training and additional guidance to complement existing policy and procedure around safeguarding and cuckooing, this will be developed in liaison with external legal advisors.” Source location Response from Sanctuary Housing
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Develop specific additional safeguarding and cuckooing guidance for front-line housing staff.
Verbatim wording from the response “(d) In addition, Sanctuary's safeguarding leads are working to develop specific additional guidance for our front-line housing staff.” Source location Response from Sanctuary Housing
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation The available evidence and police assessment did not establish that the tenant was being cuckooed.
Verbatim wording from the response ““I was never able to provide any creditable evidence to support the various claims that Callum was being Cuckooed. In fact, I concluded the view that he wanted these people in his life at the time”.” Source location Response from Sanctuary Housing
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Housing officers cannot assess mental capacity, and action may be limited where a tenant with capacity denies being cuckooed.
Verbatim wording from the response “1.11 Where cuckooing is reported as taking place at a tenant’s property, either the Police or Sanctuary would make a referral to Social Services and there would be a multi-agency approach to tackle the issue. However, in many cases, if a tenant is deemed to have mental capacity and denies they are being cuckooed, there is limited action that could be taken, except for the involvement of the Police regarding any criminal activity taking place at that Property. Housing Officers are not trained or qualified to assess mental capacity but if there were concerns identified these would be raised to social services or similar.” Source location Response from Sanctuary Housing
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Existing safeguarding procedures and multi-agency arrangements will continue as the response to safeguarding and cuckooing concerns.
Verbatim wording from the response “1.22 Sanctuary's Safeguarding Adults – Group Procedure is clear that Sanctuary operate a multi-agency approach to safeguarding adults. Sanctuary implements robust safeguarding procedures to protect its tenants and residents from harm and ensure their well-being. These procedures include reporting mechanisms, a commitment to partnership working with other agencies, and a focus on prevention and protection. These procedures are regularly reviewed and updated as required.” Source location Response from Sanctuary Housing
Open published response
Concerns raised 1
Failure to rapidly resolve responsibility for housing cuckooed tenants who become effectively homeless View source
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised. 2
Cornwall Council
Direct managers and supervisors to use the Escalation of Professional Differences Procedure and Guidance.
View source
Cornwall Council
Ensure all managers and supervisors demonstrate understanding and application of the escalation procedure by August 2025.
View source
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AI-generated summary
Callum James Hargreaves · Prevention of Future Deaths report
This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.
Report summary
Callum James Hargreaves died after his body was recovered from the sea in Newquay on 20 January 2024, following multiple injuries consistent with a fall from height; the report recorded a conclusion of suicide. Concerns included unresolved responsibility between the Council and a social housing provider for addressing safeguarding alerts about cuckooing and housing Callum, despite seven safeguarding conferences, as well as conflicting views about whether a social tenancy disqualified someone from making a homelessness application.
Read the report on judiciary.uk
× Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to rapidly resolve responsibility for housing cuckooed tenants who become effectively homeless
Wider context from the report “1) On the facts of this case, Callum had a social tenancy with Sanctuary Housing but it is recognised the Council will have professional relationships with a number of housing providers. Safeguarding alerts were raised that Callum was being cuckooed. There was then a “stand-off” between Sanctuary and the Council as to who had responsibility for housing Callum. This was not resolved even though there were seven Safeguarding conferences held over half a year. It was felt by the Chair of the Safeguarding conferences that Callum had been failed and that the question of who was responsible for his accommodation should have been resolved much more quickly. Going forward, the Council may wish to reflect upon:
- How it would like social housing providers with whom it has professional relationships to resolve concerns about the cuckooing of tenants. A separate Preventing Future Deaths report has been written to Sanctuary in this regard (with a copy sent to the Council);
- How disagreements about who has responsibility for housing a cuckooed tenant who becomes effectively homeless may be resolved more rapidly;
- Council witnesses held conflicting views as to whether a social tenancy disqualified a tenant from making a homelessness application. It is for the Council to decide how to ensure a consistent approach is taken by its staff.
The situation generally is considered in greater detail at paragraphs 150-160 of the attached judgement.
” Source location Callum James Hargreaves · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Open source report
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Direct managers and supervisors to use the Escalation of Professional Differences Procedure and Guidance.
Verbatim wording from the response “2. An escalation of Callum’s situation following the safeguarding/MDT meetings did not occur. Had the difficulties encountered triggered an escalation, then there may have been further opportunities to explore and potentially resolve the housing issue.” Source location Response from Cornwall Council (Housing)
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Ensure all managers and supervisors demonstrate understanding and application of the escalation procedure by August 2025.
Verbatim wording from the response “In order to ensure this, managers and supervisors will be directed to the Council's ‘Escalation of Professional Differences Procedure and Guidance’ (- cios sab-escalation-procedure-october-2020.pdf). This document provides clear guidance on steps to resolve professional differences and strategic steps for the escalation of concerns.” Source location Response from Cornwall Council (Housing)
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation The Council cannot dictate individual social housing providers’ operational policies for resolving cuckooing concerns.
Verbatim wording from the response “1. While we cannot dictate what individual providers do operationally in terms of their own policy, we are in a position to promote and encourage the adoption of a unified understanding of cuckooing and, if possible, reach consensus in the following key areas;” Source location Response from Cornwall Council (Housing)
Open published response
Actions and positions describe what organisations say in published responses. Implementation is not independently verified.