enquiries@hnksolicitors.com
Mon-Thu 09:00-19:00 | Fri 09:00-17:00

Watford Community Housing Trust Data Breach

Watford Community Housing Trust Data Breach

Watford Community Housing Trust, a UK-based housing association, has admitted to breaching the data of 3,545 of its tenants. A document containing the highly sensitive details of these tenants was emailed to customers in error. This is a clear breach of GDPR, and those affected could be entitled to claim compensation.

It has been reported that an email was sent out by Watford Community Housing Trust on the 23rd March 2020 to people it believed to be its tenants. The email was sent to residents to inform them of changes to their services due to the coronavirus outbreak and to let them know about the closure of its offices on Clarendon Road.

The email also included a spreadsheet with 3,545 rows, that included people’s names, addresses, dates of birth, religion, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, and disability status. They later realised their mistake and sent a second email at 10pm on the 23rd March 2020 apologising and urging recipients to “please delete the email”.

Step 1

Get in touch using our contact forms or any details provided throughout the site.

Step 2

We arrange a free consultation with you to discuss the case

Step 3

If accepted we will action your case on a no win no fee basis.

It is believed that everyone who received this email now has access to this highly sensitive personal data. Those who have had their data breached may include vulnerable people, those subject to witness protection orders, people who are ex-directory, and many others who do not want their home addresses, contact details, and sexuality made public. These people have a right to have their information kept private, and a breach of this kind of data can be incredibly distressing.

The circumstances of this data breach would also bring into question several human rights breaches also.

Watford Community Housing Trust has said all those affected have been contacted, and they have apologised for the breach. They state they have informed the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as they are legally obliged to do so and are working closely alongside them. For many people affected by this breach, this is not enough.

If you are one of the thousands affected by the Watford Community Housing Trust data breach, you have the right to claim compensation. HNK Solicitors have a team of expert data breach solicitors who can help you pursue a claim on a no-win, no-fee basis, and get you the compensation you deserve.

What data was exposed in the Watford Community Housing Trust data breach?

The data that was breached by Watford Community Housing Trust included:

  • Names
  • Home addresses
  • Phone numbers
  • Email addresses
  • Dates of birth
  • Ethnicity
  • Sexual orientation
  • Religion
  • Tenancy dates
  • Housing needs
watford community housing trust data breach

Download Our Guide

Get in touch

Fill out the below form and one of our advisors will get in touch to arrange a consultation about your claim.


Call 0151 203 1104

enquiries@hnksolicitors.com Mon – Thu 09:00-19:00
Fri – 09:00-17:00

Case Study

Data breach concept image, a laptop on a table with a warning symbol on screen and white text saying data breach

HNK Solicitors secure £7,000 in data breach claim against Cheshire Council East

Recently, HNK Solicitors acted on behalf of a client, who will be referred to as SH, in a data breach claim against Cheshire East Council. The data breach occurred after SH was subject to an anonymous complaint regarding their children. Although the complaint was not upheld, during the initial investigation Cheshire East Council, the Defendant, divulged personal data, and the context of the complaint with an unauthorised person(s). This is a clear breach of SH’s...
Read More

How do I know if I have been affected by the Watford Community Housing Trust data breach?

Watford Community Housing Trust claims they have contacted the residents affected by the breach to provide information, guidance, and support. So, if you have received a phone call, letter, or email from Watford Community Housing Trust about a breach of your personal data, then you have likely been affected. They also claim they are taking a variety of steps to assess the potential impact on those affected by the breach, including any safeguarding concerns.

 

If you are still unsure if you have been affected, check your spam or junk folder to see if an email has been sent there, or search your emails for –

 

Watford Community Housing Trust’

 

Alternatively, or if you have any other concerns, the trust has said you should email –CustomerRelationsTeam@wcht.org.uk.


How can HNK Solicitors help with my data breach claim?

HNK Solicitors have a team of expert data protection solicitors with many years of experience dealing with data breach claims. We have been successful in obtaining compensation for clients who have been affected by data breaches against a wide variety of defendants based in England and other countries across the world. Under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the right to claim compensation for any inconvenience, distress, or monetary loss you have suffered as a result of your data being breached.

 

You have the legal right to have your personal information kept private, and any companies that do not comply with data protection laws should be held to account. If you have been affected by the Watford Community Housing Trust data breach, contact HNK Solicitors for a free no-obligation consultation. Our experts will be able to offer advice on pursuing a claim against Watford Community Housing Trust, and we may be able to mount a group litigation case against the trust to get those affected the compensation they deserve.

Free Consultation

Contact HNK Solicitors to arrange a free no-obligation consultation where we can offer free advice on pursuing a claim against Watford Community Housing Trust.

No-win-no-fee

HNK offers a no-win, no-fee service, which means it will not cost you a penny upfront to start your claim. This means you can pursue your claim on a no-risk basis and only have to pay a small percentage if your claim is successful.

Client Communication

We understand this process can be distressing, so we handle everything for you and keep you up to date throughout the whole process.
FAQ

Was Watford Community Housing Trust responsible for the breach?

The breach happened because of human error. Although mistakes do happen, this doesn’t mean Watford Community Housing Trust should be let off the hook. If they had simply implemented some simple security measures such as encryption or password controls on people’s sensitive data, then this file would not have been readable by others.

What is a group litigation case?

A group litigation/group action claim or case is where a group of people – which can be as many as thousands – have all been affected by the same issue. All the people in the group collectively bring their cases to court against the Defendant and fight together to get compensation. This strengthens their overall position and can make a big organisation take a matter more seriously. It can also increase their chances of settlement or success in litigation.

Just because you are part of a group litigation claim, this doesn’t mean that everyone in the group will receive the same amount of compensation. Every claim within the group is settled based on the individual’s situation.

What can I claim for?

If your data has been breached, you can claim for both damages and distress. So, you can claim for any financial losses or emotional distress you have suffered as a result of having your data stolen. However, you also have the right to claim, even if you haven’t suffered as a result of the failure to protect your data as, by law, they must keep your personal data safe.

How much will it cost?

Nothing upfront. If we deem you have a case that has a high chance of success, we will offer you a no-win, no-fee agreement. This means it won’t cost you a penny to start your claim, and you won’t have to pay a thing if your claim is unsuccessful.

If your case is successful, the legal costs which consist of the work HNK Solicitors has done for you and disbursement costs such as court and barrister fees will be recovered from the Defendant themselves and the compensation you are rewarded. HNK cap the costs they take from your compensation at 35%, so no matter what you will get at least 65% of the compensation in the end.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Let us know what you’re looking for and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

SPEAK TO OUR TEAM

Call us on - 0151 203 1104 | Email us at - enquiries@hnksolicitors.com
Ellen BrownEllen Brown
08:39 31 May 23
Positive service. Treated me with kindness and respect. Didn't make me uncomfortable whilst doing their enquiries.Kept me in the loop at all times and helped me come to a decision that best suited me.Thank you to Michael Wharton for making the effort to help me :)
Al TommoAl Tommo
20:09 19 May 23
Very good service, couldn’t be happier with how they handled my claim and we also got justice and compensated rightly! 5 stars 10/10 does what it says on the tin thank you to the team at Hicks Newton Kenyon
••••
06:45 13 May 23
I was arrested under suspicion of several offences (was not charged with any). This was very Concerning since I was a top law student at the time, gaining a mid 1st for my criminal law work and Human Rights work - The solicitor at this firm involved in my case against the Police clearly knew nothing about criminal law, evidence or HR’s. As none of it happened, I was merely acting within my human rights, hence why the CPS ordered the Police to drop the whole case against me, which they did and with NFA.The solicitor at this firm dealing with my matters should not be a solicitor, as she does not know the law! She was also extremely rude, would not allow me to speak (kept interrupting and talking over me ) was entitled and patronising!I think they updated me just twice in a year!! I will be reporting this firm to the SRA, who are their regulatory body. Absolutely disgusted and a disgrace to the profession.Yes, I was a real client of theirs and this is a bona fida review - I am not at any liberty to give my name, if I don’t wish to.
brian morhanbrian morhan
17:01 26 Apr 23
Absolutely brilliant. They kept me in the loop throughout the process. I am very happy with the result. Very professional team. I would 100 percent recommend them. Thank you Michael.
Gary JonesGary Jones
18:13 16 Mar 23
A rare combination of a very professional company coupled with excellent staff who are equally caring and understanding in their appraoch, brilliant.Highly recommended.
Dan MalcomDan Malcom
17:27 09 Mar 23
who is michelle mcmahonwhy is hnk solicitors Instagram account full of fake followers bot accounts and purchase to follow accountswhy does hnk solicitors most predominantly deal with cases involving white caucasian males and white caucasian females paying out more within the tens of thousands to the hundreds of thousands when white but if any other colour race or religion pays out lesshow much much does each solicitors at higgs newton kenyon solicitors make if most cases are worth £5000 with a waiting time of (12) twelve months
Ashley whitehouseAshley whitehouse
10:11 27 Feb 23
I was assaulted which was a bad experience and left me with a head scar. I decided to use Higgs Newton Kenyon and overall I was impressed with the service they provided me.I was happy with the outcome and I would definitely recommend them.
amber-marie shoemarkamber-marie shoemark
16:30 24 Feb 23
Highly recommend using higgs Newton Kenyon solicitors I most definitely got my justice I deserved could not of done it with out Michael support I got the support and help the very first day Michael got in contact with me and all the support carried on all the way to the last day
M EdgertonM Edgerton
13:29 30 Jan 23
I contacted Higgs Newton Kenyon over a distressing experience with the police and feeling very vulnerable. Lynne Hughes helped me with my case and was really understanding and empathetic. It meant a lot to have someone speak for me and the outcome of the case was better than I expected. Thanks to their service I have been able to put this experience behind me and move on.Would recommend.
Charlie AbbottCharlie Abbott
10:17 30 Jan 23
I received a fantastic, professional service from start to finish. Most importantly I got the justice I deserved due to the hard work of my case handler Lyne Hughes. I would highly recommend Higgs Newton Kenyon Solicitors.
Aaron McLeodAaron McLeod
18:34 15 Nov 22
Fantastic solicitors, they explained everything to me in great detail, I understood everything they said, always kind and well mannered on the phone and email, great experience with them. Will definitely use them again if need be in the future.
Funandplayful carmellaFunandplayful carmella
17:48 10 Nov 22
Highly professional & thorough. I'm very happy with the service this firm provided & empathy shown & seeking justice on our behalf thank you for all that worked on my case especially Mrs L Hughes.
robin mohamedrobin mohamed
18:27 18 Oct 22
Higgs Newton Kenyon took on my case when others had said they would not. The Paralegal kept me updated as things progressed and I am very impressed with the outcome and the overall handling of my case.Once again thank you for your services and I would highly recommend.
Wonders of LondonWonders of London
08:53 23 Sep 22
They helped us with a claim against police for false imprisonment (stop and search). Very happy with the level of service provided and with the settlement achieved. We will now use the money we got to help someone in need here in London.
yard skiyard ski
12:33 23 Jul 22
I would recommend HNK solicitors as they offer a first class professional service. Call back's and emails to update me with my case and the staff were excellent. Thank you Helen and the team.
Mohammed AbdelmoniemMohammed Abdelmoniem
16:29 11 Jan 22
Absolutely an amazing firm and I would highly recommend them to anyone who has a similar case. I was wrongfully arrested for a crime that I did not do and I approached this firm HNK Solictors for some help and support. After viewing all the evidence, they took the case on. It took a year for the amazing good news to come out. Their hard work and dedication including their professional skills and expertise, has given me the result that I was hoping for. Vivian Lee was amazing and her professional manner in which she dealt with me and the case was remarkable. Well done, Vivian and keep up the good work. Fantastic work!
Ansar HussainAnsar Hussain
15:16 24 Nov 21
Absolutely amazing firm took my case on against the police after wrongful arrest and detention. They were very professional,informative and efficient. As I was advised by them that I had a strong chance of success and success is what they delivered. Jessica Smith thank you for all your hard work.
Maddox XxMaddox Xx
12:03 23 Nov 21
Brilliant Firm and people to deal with, Jessica and the team were professional, i could not thank them enough for resolving my case in a timely manner and keeping me updated through out the whole process. Highly recommend them
Jon BarnesJon Barnes
23:17 17 Nov 21
Like to say thank you to the team who help win the case against the police. Very efficient and professional. I will definitely recommend 👌
Vickie WatsonVickie Watson
01:38 12 Nov 21
Great solicitors. Michael was very helpful and friendly and I would like to say thank you for his help. Definitely recommend these solicitors. Thank you 🙂🙂
Ciara BeveridgeCiara Beveridge
11:31 10 Nov 21
Very quick to get everything sorted. Would phone me and update me on the progress. Highly recommend
christine stockwellchristine stockwell
07:26 30 Sep 21
Higgs Newton Kenyon Solicitors have been brilliant even through the pandemic, it must be hard to do, they are very informative all the time great value and kind thank you
Frances SJ FinchFrances SJ Finch
10:04 28 Sep 21
I can’t quite put into words how brilliant these solicitors are, they provide a fantastic service and are very gentle when discussing sensitive subjects. Michael has been so incredibly helpful and I would like to send him a massive thanks for everything he has done for me. The receptionist has always also been very polite, friendly and welcoming and I would also like to thank her for supplying a kind atmosphere whenever I have needed to contact the team.
Danny OwenDanny Owen
14:12 09 Aug 21
Highly recommended, I had a claim against the police for an unlawful stop and search and false imprisonment which was has been settled with compensation. I had to put very little effort in and I was kept continually up to date. Vivien Lee dealing with my case could not have been more polite professional and helpful. I won’t be using anyone other than HNK solicitors from now on.
Arome akuboArome akubo
20:34 04 Aug 21
These guys practically won me some cash from BA data breach case. They initiated it and executed it with utmost professionalism without me breaking a sweat. I fully recommend them without any reservations.
Stephen JohnsonStephen Johnson
19:02 02 Aug 21
Absolutely amazing helped me get a good result against merseyside police. very quick and professional definitely would recommend them to anyone will use again ..thank you guys
Tuyet OlvestedtTuyet Olvestedt
10:06 14 Jul 21
Very attentive and thorough service.They communicate regularly and clearly via phone and email. Would absolutely recommend them.Many thanks
Marie Louise RothwellMarie Louise Rothwell
10:51 05 Jul 21
I am very happy with the service I got they were ever so good at dealing with my matter and very polite. They were also very helpful with giving me great advice I would definitely use their services again in the near future I am very happy with the outcome of my case
Stephen StrattonStephen Stratton
10:09 28 Jun 21
Following repeated violations and data protections concerns by the police I was able to secure a settlement which I am very happy with. Demi and her team were helpful, professional and informative throughout. I would highly recommend contacting HNK Solicitors for initial advice with any legal matters.
Sandra WilliamsSandra Williams
11:26 23 Jun 21
After a very Violated experience with the police, my solicitor Demi was there step by step, keeping me up to date with everything. If I ever needed Higgs Newton Kenyon I again I wouldn't hesitate to contact them. Thank you.
Jason PatrickJason Patrick
19:46 10 May 21
I would highly recommend this firm. They have acted on my behalf twice now and have successfully won compensation for both cases. They are a very professional team of solicitors with expansive knowledge of the law. If you want a good result with sound honest advice, then this firm is in my opinion one the best and not afraid to challenge injustice.Thank you,Yours sincerelyJason Patrick
Lauren Jade DouganLauren Jade Dougan
12:47 20 Apr 21
This firm is absolutely amazing. I have been so pleased with how my case was handled and the solicitors kept me informed every step of the way. I am also very pleased with the outcome. I would definitely recommend this firm to anybody.
frederick moorefrederick moore
20:07 08 Apr 21
Excellent company to deal with. Highly professional, responsive to client needs and very thorough. Would recommend.
Megan MaloneyMegan Maloney
14:05 08 Mar 21
So happy with my results worked with Micheal he won my case couldn’t be any more professional at what he does so happy With the outcome thank you so much Micheal .
Charmaine GalleyCharmaine Galley
14:11 07 Sep 20
I can't thank you all enough for the hard work you put into my case. I'm so very grateful xxx
Jeepaz Creepaz MusicJeepaz Creepaz Music
09:45 25 Aug 20
Our go to when one of your artist was wrongfully arrested by the police. They helped us to resolve the issue in a timely fashion.
js_loader
Latest News

Our Case studies

Capita data breach concept image. Image of the Capita website with a magnifying glass in front of it magnifying the Capita symbol.

Capita data breach carried out by Russian hackers could affect the data of millions

Last month, it was reported that Capita, the outsourcing and professional services specialist and government contractor, suffered a cyber-attack in March. Originally,...
Image of a blue screen full on numbers and letters with the words 'CYBER ATTACK' written in neon red, behind the screen is a hooded man

Cyber experts warn that an increase in hackers for hire will lead to more attacks and increased threats over the next five years

The UK’s cyber security agency has warned that an increase in ‘hackers for hire’, which is set to grow even...

Met Police ‘regrets’ arresting anti-monarchy protestors at the Coronation

The head of the Republic campaign group has called for an inquiry into officers’ conduct after protestors arrested at the...

How do I claim?

For more information on how to claim please click this button

Claim Now
Call Us Claim Now