The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the Council’s housing allocation because there is not enough evidence of fault.
The complaint
Miss X complains the Council have not made an offer of permanent accommodation in the 12 years she has been on the housing register.
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 I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Miss X has been on the housing register since 2012 with a band C priority.
The Council have confirmed Miss X’s qualifying date reflects her time on the housing register. This means she has a higher priority than those in her band who have not been waiting as long.
The Council explained there is a shortage of housing, and their allocations scheme prioritises those most in need. The Council advised Miss X to complete a change of circumstances form if her situation has changed. The Council also advised Miss X to explore options in the private rented sector.
The Council must offer housing in line with its policy. There is not enough evidence of fault in the Council’s application of their policy to justify investigating.
Final decision
We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because there is not enough evidence of fault.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman