Summary:  We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s response to antisocial behaviour complaints. We have no remit to consider the Council’s actions in connection with its management of its social housing. 

The complaint

1. Mr X complained about the Council’s response to his Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) complaints regarding a Council tenant. He said he has been suffering since 2016 and cannot go in his garden because of the neighbour’s dogs.
2. He said the Council did not respond to his complaints. He wants the Council to comply with its own rules and regulations.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
4. 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

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

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My assessment

7. Mr X said the Council did not respond properly to his complaint about ASB caused by its tenants. The Council investigated Mr X’s complaint through its social housing management function. We have no jurisdiction to consider complaints in connection with the Council’s management of its social housing.

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Final decision

8. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because we have no remit to consider the Council’s actions in connection with its management of its social housing. 

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman