Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about blocked drains from a council property affecting the complainant’s property. This is because we have no remit to consider complaints about the Council when it is acting as a social housing landlord.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about his drains being affected by the Council property next door. He would like to be reimbursed his costs in arranging drain surveys and clearances.

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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. We cannot investigate this complaint as it concerns the Council’s role as a landlord of social housing.

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Final decision

7. We cannot Mr X’s complaint because it concerns the Council’s actions as a social housing landlord.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman