Summary: We will not investigate this complaint alleging the Council promised to pay the complainant’s tenant’s rent as we are unlikely to find fault.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council promised to pay his tenant’s rent. His outcome sought that it pay the rent due from November 2020.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Ombudsman investigates complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We do not start an investigation if we are unlikely to find evidence of fault. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant which includes the Council’s responses to Mr X. I also considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

4. The promise referred to by Mr X consists of the following email sent by a social worker:

“I have requested back payments for the rent as stated and continue to await. I understand this is frustrating but doing what I can at this end”

5. On my reading of this email, the Council confirms it has made a request for assistance with the rent. However, I do not see evidence of any promise of any outcome. It is open to Mr X to enforce his tenancy agreement in court to remedy his complaint.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because we are unlikely to find evidence of fault.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman