Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the Council’s decision that her accommodation is suitable. This is because it is reasonable to expect Miss X to appeal its decision to the county court.

The complaint

1. Miss X complains the Council placed her in an unsuitable accommodation away from her support network.
2. On review, the Council upheld that the accommodation was suitable and referred to Miss X’s appeal rights.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. The law says we cannot normally investigate a complaint when someone could take the matter to court. However, we may decide to investigate if we consider it would be unreasonable to expect the person to go to court. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6)(c), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because it is reasonable for her to appeal to the county court.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman