Summary: We cannot investigate Mrs X’s complaint about her property being unsuitable and in need of repairs. This is because we cannot investigate complaints about the management of social housing by councils.

The complaint

1. Mrs X complained to the Council about her property being unsuitable and in need of repairs. Mrs X was worried the condition of the property was impacting the health of her family and asked for help to move if the Council were not going to complete the necessary repairs.

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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. Mrs X complained about the condition of her property and that repairs were needed. Mrs X is a Council tenant, and the law says we cannot investigate these complaints.

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Final decision

7. We cannot investigate Mrs X’s complaint because it relates to the Council’s actions in its capacity as a registered social landlord, which is not in our remit.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman