The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of Mr X’s housing tenancy matters. This is because the complaint falls outside our jurisdiction and falls instead within that of the Housing Ombudsman Service.
The complaint
Mr X complains about the Council’s handling of housing tenancy matters and particularly his wish to move out of London to the coast.
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 complaints about the provision or management of social housing by a council acting as a registered social housing provider. (Local Government Act 1974, paragraph 5A schedule 5, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council, including its response to the complaint.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because the complaint falls outside our jurisdiction and falls instead within that of the Housing Ombudsman Service.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman