Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an unsuccessful 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 even though he uploaded all the required information. He wants the Council to review the 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 applications, the evidence he submitted and the Council’s decision. I also considered our Assessment Code.

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My assessment

4. Mr X applied to join the housing register; he says he submitted two applications. The application form lists the supporting evidence applicants must provide. This includes proof of identity and address, and proof of income and savings for the three months prior to the application. The applicant must provide evidence for each adult listed on the application.
5. The Council closed the application because Mr X had not provided all the information. The decision letter in December highlighted that he had not submitted all the required financial information. The Council said he could reapply once he had submitted all the evidence.
6. I will not investigate this complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council. I have looked at Mr X’s housing applications, and the documents he submitted, and I see nothing to suggest fault in the Council’s assessment that he had not provided all the requested information. Mr X can make a new application once he has provided all the evidence.

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Final decision

7. 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