Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of a discretionary housing payment. It would be reasonable for Miss Q to make a fresh application.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I have called Miss Q, complained that the London Borough of Brent refused her application for a discretionary housing payment.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We can decide whether to start or discontinue an investigation into a complaint within our jurisdiction. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered the information Miss Q provided. I considered the information the Council provided. I invited Miss Q to comment on a draft of this decision.

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What I found

4. Miss Q applied to the Council for a discretionary housing payment (DHP) to help pay her rent. The Council initially refused Miss Q’s application. It later reconsidered Miss Q’s application and gave her a DHP covering a period in November/December 2019. It told her if she needed further help she should make another application.
5. It would be reasonable for Miss Q to make another application for a DHP if she still needs help to pay her rent. If her application is not successful, she may complain to the Council before complaining to us once more. So we will not investigate the complaint for this reason.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Miss Q’s complaint. This is because it would be reasonable for her to make another application for a DHP.

Investigator’s decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman