Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about unsuitable homelessness temporary accommodation. This is because the Council has put matters right to Mrs X’s satisfaction.

The complaint

1. Mrs X complained to us the Council had given her and her family unsuitable temporary accommodation. At the time of the complaint to us, Mrs X wanted the Council to offer suitable accommodation.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. 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)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant and documents and correspondence from the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. When Mrs X first contacted us, she and her family remained in the unsuitable temporary accommodation. The Council then offered different accommodation, which Mrs X accepted. While we were considering the complaint, the Council offered Mrs X £1,600 to recognise the time in unsuitable accommodation. Mrs X accepted that. I spoke to Mrs X, who confirmed she considered her complaint resolved and she was content for us to close the complaint.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint because the Council has provided a remedy Mrs X is satisfied with. In the circumstances, our involvement would not add anything useful.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman