Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the suitability of temporary accommodation. The complaint is late and there are no good reasons for us to exercise discretion to consider it now.

The complaint

1. Miss X complained about the suitability of temporary accommodation.
2. Miss X said the property had issues including mould, which impacted on the health of her children and her mental health.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
4. We cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

5. I considered information provided by the complainant.
6. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

7. Miss X complained about the suitability of temporary accommodation, provided by the Council. Miss X lived in this accommodation between January-September 2024.
8. Miss X complained to the Council in March 2026 and it refused to consider the complaint as it was made late.
9. As outlined in paragraph four, we also cannot investigate late complaints without good reasons to do so.
10. I have considered whether to exercise our discretion to consider this complaint now. I acknowledge Miss X’s submissions about why she could not complain sooner, but this does not displace the expectation in law that we will not investigate late complaints.
11. Therefore, we will not investigate this complaint.

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Final decision

12. We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because it is late and there are no good reasons for us to exercise discretion to consider it now.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman