Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s care alarm policy for their independent living properties. This is because the law does not allow us to investigate the provision or management of social housing by a council acting as a registered social housing provider.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains that the Council requires all independent living residents, to have a care alarm, regardless of their individual needs. He says this has caused him financial injustice through an unnecessary charge.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
3. We cannot investigate complaints about the provision or management of social housing by a council acting as a registered social housing provider. (Local Government Act 1974, paragraph 5A schedule 5, as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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Final decision

6. We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s care alarm policy for their independent living properties. This is because the law does not allow us to investigate the provision or management of social housing by a council acting as a registered social housing provider.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman