London Borough of Ealing (24 022 483)
Category : Housing > Homelessness
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 27 May 2025
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will use our discretion not to investigate this complaint about the complainant’s housing situation because she could have used her appeal rights and could now make new applications.
The complaint
- The complainant, Ms X, says the Council did not provide her with housing even though she is homeless and has health issues. Ms X wants the Council to help her find somewhere to live.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- It is our decision whether to start, and when to end an investigation into something the law allows us to investigate. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
- I considered information provided by Ms X and the Council. This includes the homelessness review decision. I also considered our Assessment Code.
My assessment
- Ms X made a homelessness application in 2023. The Council decided she was not in priority need and it did not owe her a homelessness duty. The Council upheld this decision in June 2024 and told Ms X she had 21 days to appeal to the court.
- The Council told me Ms X does not have a live application to join the housing register.
- I will not start an investigation because Ms X could have used her appeal rights in 2024. We have no power to house Ms X and we cannot decide if she should be accepted as homeless.
- Ms X could make a housing application or, if her circumstances have changed, make a new homelessness application. It would be for the Council to assess each application and make a decision.
Final decision
- We will not investigate this complaint because Ms X could have used her appeal rights and because there are fresh applications she could make.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman