The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about unsuccessful applications to the housing register. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
The complaint
The complainant, Mrs X, complains the Council rejected her housing applications.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start an investigation if we decide there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mrs X and the Council. This includes the housing applications and copies of the evidence she provided. I also considered our Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mrs X has submitted at least four housing applications. The application form says applicants must supply supporting information including financial records. The Council closed each application because it decided Mrs X had not provided the supporting information. The decision the Council issued in February said Mrs X needed to supply financial information.
I have looked at the supporting evidence submitted by Mrs X and she did not supply all the information the Council had requested. For example, I have not seen anything to suggest she provided any financial information (for example proof of income, benefits or bank statements). Because Mrs X did not provide the supporting evidence, there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council to require an investigation.
Final decision
We will not investigate this complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman