Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s social housing plans as such matters are not within our remit.

The complaint

1. Miss X complained about the Council’s plans for some of its social housing properties which are currently occupied by private tenants. Miss X wants the Council to stop its plans and give those affected social housing tenancies.

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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. While I recognise Miss X feels strongly about this matter, we cannot investigate as the Council’s management of its social housing is not within our legal remit, as per paragraph three.

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Final decision

7. We cannot investigate Miss X’s complaint because it is not within our legal remit.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman