The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the complainant’s housing situation. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
The complaint
The complainant, Mr X, says he needs help because he lives in a hostel with two children.
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 investigating. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council. I also considered our Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X does not have a live homelessness application but he is on the housing register. The Council does not have a duty to house Mr X as homeless, or to provide alternative accommodation, because it decided, in 2023, that he was intentionally homeless. Social services arranged his current accommodation.
I appreciate living in a hostel with children is challenging but, as the accommodation has not been provided under the homelessness rules, there are no restrictions on the use of hostel accommodation. Mr X can bid for properties from the housing register and he could seek advice regarding other housing options, including whether he would have grounds to make a new homelessness application.
There is nothing to suggest fault by the Council and we cannot arrange alternative accommodation for Mr X or ask the Council to re-house him.
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