The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s response to a complaint about anti-social behaviour. We have no remit to consider the Council’s action in connection with its management of its social housing.
The complaint
In short, Mr X and Mrs Y complain about the Council’s responses to their complaints concerning anti-social behaviour by a tenant of the Council.
Mr X and Mrs Y say the Council tenant’s drug caused Mrs Y to be treated in hospital for 5 days as it was likely to have exacerbated her asthma. Mr X and Mrs Y would like the Council to investigate and consider their evidence.
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 the information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
We cannot investigate. Mr X and Mrs Y’s complaint concerns the behaviour a Council tenant. The Council’s tenancy management team has been dealing with their concerns. We have no jurisdiction to consider complaints in connection with the Council’s management of its social housing.
Final decision
We cannot investigate as it concerns the management of social housing.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman