The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about housing allocations because there is not enough evidence of fault.
The complaint
Mrs X complains the Council have failed to provide her with suitable accommodation.
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 decidethere 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
Mrs X is disabled, and her property does not meet her needs. Mrs X is on the Council’s housing register with a band B priority and a qualifying date in 2020.
Mrs X complains the Council have failed to provide her with suitable accommodation in a reasonable timeframe.
The Council explained there is a shortage of housing in their area. The Council considered Mrs X’s medical information and determined she has an urgent medical need. Mrs X has been awarded a band B housing priority in line with the Council’s housing allocations policy. Mrs X is eligible to bid on level access ground floor accommodation.
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 Mrs X’s complaint because there is not enough evidence of fault.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman