Summary: We cannot investigate Mrs X’s complaint about the Council’s policy on dogs for the housing scheme where she lives. 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 its policy on dogs not being allowed in communal areas at the housing scheme where she lived. She said she relies on her dog for emotional support and felt the policy was unfair. Mrs X wants the Council to review their policy.

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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.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. Mrs X complained about the Council’s housing scheme dog policy, preventing her from taking her dog into communal areas. 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