Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about disrepair in Miss X’s accommodation. This is because the law says we cannot investigate the actions of a council when it is acting as a landlord of social housing.

The complaint

1. Miss X complained about the Council’s handling of disrepair in her accommodation.

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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 the complainant and the Council.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. Miss X is a tenant of the Council. This means we cannot investigate her complaint for the reason set out in paragraph three.

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Final decision

7. We cannot investigate Miss X’s complaint because the law says we cannot investigate complaints about a council when it is acting as a landlord of social housing.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman