Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision that Ms X is over the financial threshold to be able to join its housing register. This is because there is no evidence to suggest fault by the Council.

The complaint

1. Ms X complains about the Council’s decision that she is over the financial threshold to be able to join its housing register. She says it has made this decision despite her ill health and that she is on benefits.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints of injustice caused by ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’ which we call ‘fault’. We consider whether there was fault in the way an organisation made its decision. If there was no fault in how the organisation made its decision, we cannot question the outcome. (Local Government Act 1974, section 34(3), as amended)
3. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

6. It is not our role to act as a point of appeal against decisions made by councils with which complainants disagree. We cannot question a council’s decision if it has followed the right steps and considered the relevant evidence and information.
7. The Council assessed Ms X’s application to join its housing register and took into account her income which placed her over the financial limit as set out in its housing allocations policy. While this is disappointing for Ms X, there is no evidence to suggest fault affected the Council’s decision.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because there is no evidence to suggest fault by the Council.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman