The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council organised supported living for Mr X. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to warrant our involvement.
The complaint
Mr X complained the Council forced him to live in supported accommodation against his wishes. He said he is unable to work or socialise because of his living situation. He wants to move back to his parents’ house.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
We will not investigate this complaint. The Council evidenced that Mr X accepted its offer of supported accommodation in an email after his mother said he could no longer live with her. The Council explained to Mr X that he is not forced to live in supported accommodation and can leave at any time. The Council said if Mr X decided to leave the supported accommodation, he would be homeless, and added to the Housing Waiting List.
The Council said Mr X has been supported with making his own decisions about his accommodation with support from his Social Worker, advocate and family.
The Council has clearly communicated with Mr X regarding his housing options and supported him with making his own choices. There is not enough evidence of fault to warrant our involvement.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because there is not enough evidence of fault to warrant our involvement.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman