Summary: We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about the expenses claim he made to the Council. This is because we cannot investigate actions taken by a Council in connection with its housing activities as they relate to the provision and management of social housing.

The complaint

1. Mr X submitted a claim to the council for costs he said he incurred in moving. The Council have not paid the claim as they considered it was not a legitimate reasonable expense. Mr X wants the Council to reimburse him for the expenses and wants the Council to advise if they have an accessible form on their website that he can complete.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
3. 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)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

6. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because we cannot investigate actions taken by a Council in connection with its housing activities as they relate to the provision and management of social housing.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman