Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council as a registered social housing provider because we have no jurisdiction to investigate.

The complaint

1. Mr B says he has had no reply to his request for permission to have an assistance dog at his flat, and that Council officers have called him names and spread lies. Mr B also complains about lack of space to store four wheelchairs, and the risks posed by this. Mr B suffered injuries from falling over a wheelchair stored in his flat. The Council will not allow Mr B to store the wheelchairs in the communal corridor and have come up with no workable solution.

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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 and the Council.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. The Ombudsman has no powers to investigate a council in its capacity as a registered provider of social housing, or any actions in connection with its housing activities. The Ombudsman has no discretion to investigate such matters.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint because we do not have the powers to consider the issues.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman