Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the suitability of temporary accommodation provided by the Council because it is late. There are no good reasons to apply our discretion to investigate the issue now.

The complaint

1. Ms X complained the Council placed her and her family in unsuitable accommodation in 2019 and again in 2023.
2. She is seeking a placement in permanent accommodation for her and her family.

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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 late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, 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. Ms X complained the Council placed her and her family in temporary accommodation which does not meet her family’s needs in 2019 and again in 2023.
8. Ms X says she could not bring her complaint sooner as she has been caring for her child who has serious medical issues.
9. While this is a valid reason, Ms X has raised a complaint with this office about a similar issue in 2024.
10. There is no reason to now investigate this issue which could have been raised alongside the previous complaint.

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Final decision

11. We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because it is late and there are not good reasons to apply our discretion to investigate now.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman