Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council owned property next door damaging the complainant’s property. This is because we have no remit to consider complaints about the management of social housing.

The complaint

1. In summary, Mrs X complains the disrepair in a neighbouring council owned property is causing damp and mould to her property. She would like the Council to carry out remedial repairs and also reimburse her.

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

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My assessment

6. We cannot investigate this complaint. This is because we have no remit to investigate matters in connection with the management of social housing. This restriction applies to Mrs X’s complaint.

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Final decision

7. We cannot investigate Mrs X’s complaint because it arises from the management of social housing by the Council.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman