The Localism Act 2011 extended the powers of the Housing Ombudsman to deal with complaints about the role of local authorities as landlords of social housing. This includes landlord services provided directly by local authorities, or those provided on behalf of local authorities by, for example, Arms Length Management Organisations and Tenant Management Organisations.

From April 2013, all new complaints about such matters became the responsibility of the Housing Ombudsman. However, the legislation recognises that some complaints will fall within the jurisdiction of both Ombudsmen. We have powers to conduct investigations jointly with the Housing Ombudsman.

We work together under a memorandum of understanding, to agree a common approach to the definition of jurisdictional boundaries, early handling and signposting of complaints and other forms of joint working.