Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about how the Council handled his application to join the housing register. There is not enough evidence of fault to justify an investigation.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council decided his application does not qualify for the housing register. He says he has lived in the area for over 25 years and works there. He says he moved out for a year to care for his partner.

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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 (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.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. Mr X says he has lived in the area for over 25 years but recently moved out for a year to care for his partner. The Council said Mr X does not qualify as he has not lived in the area for six continuous years. Mr X appealed but the Council upheld its original decision.
6. We recognise the demand for social housing far outstrips the supply of properties in many areas and the Council should apply its policy to all applicants. The Council has followed its published allocations policy. There is not enough evidence of fault to justify an investigation by the Ombudsman.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because there is not enough evidence of fault.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman