Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to close the complainant’s housing application. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

The complaint

1. The complainant, Mr X, complains the Council closed his housing application because it was incomplete. Mr X is concerned he may become homeless. Mr X wants the Council to accept his application.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start an investigation if we decide there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council. This includes Mr X’s housing application and the supporting documents he provided. I also considered our Assessment Code.

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My assessment

4. Mr X applied to join the housing register. The application form says the applicant must provide documents for all adults who are part of the application. This includes financial records for the last three months, relating to income and savings. The applicant must also provide birth certificates.
5. Mr X provided some supporting evidence. He did not provide a copy of their birth certificates or his wife’s financial records. The Council closed the application because it was incomplete. The letter repeated the supporting evidence applicants must supply and said Mr X could reapply once he has uploaded all the evidence.
6. I will not investigate this complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council. I have considered the documents Mr X submitted with his application and there is nothing to suggest he provided financial information for his wife (for example, bank statements). I have also not seen a birth certificate. As Mr X did not supply all the information requested by the Council, there is no reason for us to investigate the Council’s decision to close the application.
7. Mr X could supply the outstanding information and re-apply to join the housing register.
8. Mr X has said he is worried he may lose his home; Mr X could contact the Council’s homelessness team to discuss this.

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Final decision

9. We will not investigate this complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman