Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision that the complainant cannot join the housing register. This is because the problem has been resolved.

The complaint

1. The complainant, whom I refer to as Mr X, complained about the Council’s decision that he cannot join the housing register because he has savings. Mr X needs to move for health reasons.

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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 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 an investigation if the problem has been resolved. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council. I also considered our Assessment Code and invited Mr X to comment on a draft of this decision.

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My assessment

4. The allocations policy says people cannot join the housing register if they have the means to resolve their own housing need.
5. Mr X applied to join the housing register. He wants to move to a property that is better suited to his health.
6. The Council refused the application because it said Mr X had savings of more than £50,000. In its review decision the Council said he did not qualify because he had savings of more than £72,000 and the means to resolve his own housing circumstances.
7. I asked the Council for some information. In response the Council said it had reconsidered the application and decided Mr X can join the housing register. It accepted the decision letters were not very clear and not totally consistent with the policy. It said the policy does not set an upper savings limit because people’s needs are different and adapted homes are more expensive.
8. In addition to accepting Mr X onto the register, the Council told me it will apologise, review the policy and ensure a team leader checks review decisions.
9. I will not investigate this complaint because the problem has been resolved and the Council will review the policy and improve its practice.

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Final decision

10. I will not start an investigation because the problem has been resolved.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman