Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s lack of response to Mr X’s complaints about being overcharged for electricty. This is because we have no remit to consider complaints about the Council’s actions when it is acting as a social housing landlord.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about the lack of response from the Council about being overcharged for electricity. He says the Council owes him £193.56.

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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 the complainant.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. We cannot investigate this complaint as it concerns the Council’s decisions concerning its social housing tenants.

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Final decision

7. We cannot Mr X’s complaint because it concerns the Council’s actions as a social housing landlord.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman