The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to ensure repairs are dealt with in Ms X’s home which she rents from a social housing provider. Her complaint has been referred to the Housing Ombudsman Service who have decided to investigate her case.
The complaint
Ms X complained about the disrepair in her social housing rented home. she says that the gas supply was not connected and that there were various faults with the boiler and sockets after she moved in. She says the housing association failed to ensure a supply was available within a reasonable time and that despite numerous repair visits she continued to have problems with repairs.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
It is our decision whether to start, and when to end an investigation into something the law allows us to investigate. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered the information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Ms X complained to the Council about disrepair in her social housing. The Council referred her to the Housing Ombudsman Service because her home is managed by a housing association. The Ombudsman told her to complain to us because it understood her tenancy was for temporary accommodation. It has since informed Ms X that this was an error and that it is now going to investigate her complaint.
We will not investigate where there is another body better able to investigate the complaint.
Final decision
We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to ensure repairs are dealt with in Ms X’s home which she rents from a social housing provider. Her complaint has been referred to the Housing Ombudsman Service who have decided to investigate her case.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman