Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to give the complainant a Blue Badge. This is because the Council has offered to do a face-to-face mobility assessment.

The complaint

1. The complainant, whom I refer to as Mr X, disagrees with the Council’s decision not to give him a Blue Badge.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Ombudsman investigates 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 the Council offers a fair remedy. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council. This includes the Council’s offer to do a face-to-face mobility assessment. I considered our Assessment Code and invited Mr X to comment on a draft of this decision.

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My assessment

4. Mr X applied for a Blue Badge. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the Council could only do a telephone assessment. The Council decided Mr X does not qualify for a badge.
5. The Council has offered to re-consider the application and do a face-to-face mobility assessment. It will offer the assessment once it resumes clinic-based appointments.

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Final decision

6. I will not investigate this complaint because the Council will do a face-to-face assessment. Mr X can make a new complaint to us if he remains dissatisfied after the Council has completed its further assessment of his application.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman