The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the suitability of temporary accommodation. The Council have offered a suitable remedy.
The complaint
Mr X complains the Council housed him in unsuitable temporary accommodation.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word fault to refer to these. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we are satisfied with the actions an organisation has taken or proposes to take. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(7), 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
Mr X made a homelessness application to the Council and was placed into a flat with shared kitchen facilities.
Mr X informed the Council he was having difficulties with the other residents and there was a lack of cleanliness in the shared kitchen.
The Council raised Mr X’s concerns with the property owner and purchased Mr X a fridge to keep in his room. The Council later offered Mr X alternative temporary accommodation.
Mr X moved into private rented accommodation.
The Council have apologised for not providing Mr X more support and have offered to reimburse some of the costs he incurred in securing his private rented accommodation. This is a suitable remedy in line with our guidance.
We will also not investigate how the Council dealt with Mr X’s complaint as it is not a good use of public resources to investigate complaints about complaint handling when we are not looking at the substantive issue.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint. The Council have offered a suitable remedy.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman