Summary: Mr & Mrs X complain the Council caused damage to their home when it carried out work to its neighbouring property. We cannot investigate as complaints about the Council’s management of its social housing stock are not within our remit.

The complaint

1. Mr & Mrs X complain the Council damaged their roof when it carried out work to its neighbouring property. Mr & Mrs X have been caused distress by this and seek compensation from the Council.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. 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

3. I have considered what Mr & Mrs X said in their complaint.

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What I found

4. Mr & Mrs X complain the Council damaged their roof when it carried out work on its neighbouring property. In carrying out this work, the Council removed the roof from Mr & Mrs X’s home. They say the Council did not have permission to do this. Mr & Mrs X complain the Council also left debris inside and around their home.
5. Mr & Mrs X want the Council to compensation for the illegal removal of their roof and for repairs that are now needed.

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Final decision

6. We cannot investigate this complaint as it arises from action the Council was taking in relation to its management of its social housing. The complaint, as per paragraph 2, is therefore not within our legal remit.

Investigator’s decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman