The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council failing to provide Mr X with an outside garden tap. This is because we have no remit to consider complaints about the management of social housing.
The complaint
In summary, Mr X complains about the Council’s failure to supply and fit an external garden tap. Mr X says the lack of a tap is causing pain and accidents due to his medical condition.
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 Miss X.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
We cannot investigate this complaint. This is because we have no remit to investigate matters in connection with the management of social housing. This restriction applies to Mr X’s complaint as the reference to ‘adaptations fund’ refers to a housing landlord scheme.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because it arises from the management of social housing by the Council.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman