The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the delay in completing work on a council property. This is because it is not an issue the Ombudsman can deal with.
The complaint
The complainant, Miss X, complains about the Council’s significant delays in completing work on a property the Council offered her.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate. We cannot investigate complaints about the provision or management of social housing by a council acting as a registered social housing provider. (Local Government Act 1974, paragraph 5A schedule 5, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I spoke with Miss X and considered information provided by her and the Council.
What I found
Miss X accepted an offer on a council social housing property. She said the Council delayed completing the disabled adaptations it had agreed to. Miss X said there were further issues with disrepairs within the property when she moved in.
The complaint concerns the Council’s management of social housing properties in its capacity as a registered social housing provider. Therefore the law prevents us investigating this complaint.
Final decision
We will not investigate this complaint. It is not an issue the Ombudsman can deal with.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman