Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s refusal to place him in a priority need on his homelessness application. It is reasonable to expect Mr X to appeal the Council’s decision to the county court.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about the Council’s decision that he is not in a priority need of housing.

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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. The law says we cannot normally investigate a complaint when someone could take the matter to court. However, we may decide to investigate if we consider it would be unreasonable to expect the person to go to court. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6)(c), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is reasonable for him to appeal to the county court. It is the appropriate body to review the Council’s decision.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman