Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about an overgrown garden at a Council property. This is because by law, we cannot investigate the Council acting in its role as a social housing provider.

The complaint

1. Mrs X complains overgrown vegetation at the neighbouring property, occupied by Council tenants, is causing damage to a fence and blocking light.

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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 considered information provided by the complainant.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. Mrs X complaint relates to the Council acting in its role as a provider of social housing and how it manages that housing. As per paragraph two, the law says we cannot investigate such complaints.

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Final decision

6. We cannot investigate Mrs X’s complaint because we cannot investigate the Council acting in its role as a social housing provider.

Investigator’s decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman