The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate the Council’s handling of works to a wall and garage on Mr X’s garden boundary. This is because we cannot investigate complaints in connection with the Council’s actions as a landlord of social housing.
The complaint
In summary, Mr X complains about delays and also the standard of works carried out to a wall and old garage on his garden boundary.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
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 Mr X.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
The works complained about relate to Council- owned social housing.
We cannot investigate complaints about the management of social housing by councils acting as a social landlord. This restriction applies to complaints about repair issues. This means we have no remit to investigate the issues raised by Mr X.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is about the actions of the Council as a landlord of social housing.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman