The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: Miss C complained the Council failed to move her to a suitable property for her mobility needs and bypassed her for several properties despite her coming in first position. I have discontinued the investigation as we cannot achieve a worthwhile outcome for Miss C as the Council has now offered her a suitable property, which she has moved into.
The complaint
The complainant, whom I shall refer to as Miss C, complained the Council: failed to move her to a suitable property for her mobility needs; and failed to allocate her property despite the fact she came in first position for a number of properties she has bid on.
Miss C says fault by the Council has added to her mental health issues.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word ‘fault’ to refer to these. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we are satisfied with the actions an organisation has taken or proposes to take. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(7), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I have considered Miss C’s comments and some information provided by the Council.
Miss C and the organisation had an opportunity to comment on my draft decision. I considered any comments received before making a final decision.
What I found
Miss C says she has been seeking an alternative property from the Council for some time due to threats from a neighbour. Before I began my investigation the Council allocated Miss C a new property, which she has moved into. As I do not consider there is anything further the Ombudsman can achieve for Miss C I do not propose to investigate the complaint.
Final decision
I have discontinued my investigation as the Council has provided Miss C with a new property and there is nothing further the Ombudsman can achieve for her.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman