Overview
The complainant, Mrs C, said that she moved house on police and social work advice. She complained that she had lost her Right to Buy discount, despite the fact that she was reassured after making specific enquiries on this point, that it would be unchanged.
Specific complaints and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that Mrs C lost her Right to Buy discount, despite the fact that she was reassured, after making specific enquiries on this point, that it would be unchanged (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that if Mrs C wishes to purchase her council house, she is able to do so on terms equivalent to those which would have applied had she retained her Right to Buy discount. Further, that the Council take steps to ensure that a process is put in place to provide tenants with written advice, in advance of any new tenancy, of possible changes to their Right to Buy discount.