Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the management of the complainant’s rent account and a key fob. This is because they are housing management issues which we have no power to investigate.

The complaint

1. The complainant, Mr X, complains about the Council’s management of his rent account in relation to a Debt Relief Order. He also complains the Council has delayed issuing a key fob for his home. Mr X is a Council tenant.

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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 Mr X and our Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. The law says we cannot investigate any complaint that relates to a council acting as a landlord and carrying out housing management functions. Mr X complains about housing management issues which means we cannot investigate any part of the complaint.

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Final decision

6. We cannot start an investigation because we cannot investigate any complaint which concerns the Council acting as a landlord.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman