The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the location of a compound on an estate, being used by the Council is using to carry out improvements to nearby council houses. This is because we cannot investigate complaints about the management of social housing when councils are acting as a social housing provider.
The complaint
The complainant, who I will call Mrs X, complains that the Council has installed a works compound close to her home. The compound is being used by the Council’s housing services in order to carry out improvements to council houses on the estate where Mrs X lives.
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 considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
I cannot investigate Mrs X’s complaint. The Council’s actions in relation to the compound are in relation to the management of social housing on Mrs X’s estate. This places the matter outside of the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction and we therefore have no power to investigate them.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the issues raised are in relation to the Council’s management of its social housing stock.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman