The Local Government Act 1974, Housing Act 1996 and Building Safety Act 2022 contain existing provisions to allow for relevant ombudsmen and regulatory bodies to work together. This includes provisions for the sharing of information and resources and conducting of joint investigations as set out in the relevant sections and schedules of these Acts.
Example: Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman Service
A tenant complains to a private landlord Ombudsman service, established under the Renters’ Rights Act, about their landlord’s failure to undertake an urgent repair that is threatening the health and safety of the household. The complainant has also raised the issue several times with their local council and received no response.
The Ombudsman forms the opinion that the LGSCO may want to undertake a joint investigation with them to determine both the poor conduct of the private landlord and the maladministration of the local council together. With the complainant’s consent, such a joint investigation takes place and the two ombudsmen schemes work together and a joint report is published.
Schedules Schedule 3: Amendments connected with landlord redress schemes Building Safety Act 2022 Background