The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the way the Council handled his homelessness application. This is because his complaint is late and I have seen no reason to exercise my discretion and investigate.
The complaint
Mr X complains that the Council mishandled his homelessness application between 2021 and 2023. He says it failed to meet its duties under the Equality Act 2010 and did not take health and vulnerabilities into account.
Mr X also complains that the Council rejected his complaint as late.
He would like the Council to confirm that it will treat his circumstances and preferred contact methods in line with the Equality Act 2010.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X complains about the Council’s handling of his homelessness case between 2021 and 2023. Mr X came to us in 2025. He also says the Council rejected his complaint as out of time.
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is late. I have seen no reason why he could not have come to us sooner.
Mr X also said he would like the Council to confirm that it will treat his preferred contact methods and circumstances in line with the Equality Act 2010. However, Mr X can contact the Council and explain what his specific needs and circumstances are.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is late, and I have seen no reason why he could not have come to us sooner.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman