Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of Miss X’s homelessness application in 2024 and her recent housing register application. There is insufficient evidence of fault which would warrant an investigation.

The complaint

1. Miss X complained about the Council’s handling of her homelessness application in 2024. She says she felt forced to sign a new tenancy agreement following the Council’s negotiation with her landlord after the possession notice she was served with was found to be invalid.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate 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 or continue an investigation if we decide:

• there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating, or
• further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

(Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council. I have also considered the Council’s housing allocations policy.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate @’s complaint because @

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman