Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about delays in the completion of work under a Disabled Facilities Grant and lack of communication. The complainant has confirmed all work except concerns about water pressure has been resolved. The Council confirms the local water authority has an appointment to visit the complainant at home to resolve this remaining issue. We consider that further investigation will not lead to a different outcome.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council delayed in finishing work carried out under a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). He also complains the Council failed to respond to his enquiries.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. 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 further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

(Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. In response to my enquiries, Mr X confirms all outstanding issues have been resolved except an issue with water pressure in his home.
6. The Council has confirmed a problem with water pressure is a matter for the local water authority. It also confirms it has referred Mr X’s concerns to the water authority who has made an appointment to visit Mr X at home.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because we do not consider that further investigation will lead to a different outcome.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman