Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s refusal to award Mr X discretionary housing payments. This is because we are unlikely to find evidence of fault.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about the Council’s failure to award him additional discretionary housing payments.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Ombudsman investigates complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start or may decide not to continue with an investigation if we decide we are unlikely to find evidence of fault. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. Mr X’s complaint has been reviewed by the Council. It has also checked his medical factors and lack of payments to his landlord. It has advised him that DHP payments cannot be repeatedly awarded and additional payments will not be made.
6. As the Council’s decision is made under its discretionary powers there are no grounds for the Ombudsman to intervene.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because we are unlikely to find fault.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman