The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the suitability of temporary accommodation. The complaint is late and there are no good reasons for us to exercise discretion to consider it now.
The complaint
Mr X complained about the condition of temporary accommodation the Council placed his family in. Mr X also complained about damage to property kept in storage which the Council had arranged.
Mr X said this caused stress and a financial loss.
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 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 the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X complained about the condition of temporary accommodation the Council placed his family in.
The available evidence suggests Mr X had been aware of these issues since around September 2024.
The Council responded to Mr X’s complaint in October 2024 and highlighted his right to complain to the Ombudsman.
Mr X complained to the Ombudsman in July 2026.
As outlined in paragraph four, we cannot investigate late complaints without good reasons to do so. I have seen no good reasons why Mr X could not have complained to us sooner and so we will not investigate this complaint.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is late and there are no good reasons for us to exercise discretion to consider it now.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman