Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to act against Mr X’s landlord. This is because the complaint is late and we have seen no reason why Mr X could not complain to us much sooner.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council failed to take enforcement action against his landlord.

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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 late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the information he provided shows he was aware of the reasons for his complaint in 2023. The law says a complaint must be made to the Ombudsman within 12 months of becoming aware of the problem. Mr X’s complaint is therefore late and there is no reason to exercise discretion and investigate.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman