Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision that the complainant does not qualify for a Blue Badge. This is because the Council has agreed to do a face-to-face mobility assessment and reconsider the application.

The complaint

1. The complainant, whom I refer to as Ms X, disagrees with the Council’s decision that she does not qualify for 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 we decide the Council has offered a fair remedy for the complaint. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by Ms X and the Council. I also spoke to Ms X and considered our Assessment Code.

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My assessment

4. Ms X applied for a Blue Badge. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the Council could not do a face-to-face mobility assessment. The Council did a desk-based assessment instead.
5. The Council has now offered to do a face-to face mobility assessment and reconsider Ms X’s application.

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Final decision

6. I will not start an investigation because the Council will do a face-to-face mobility assessment and reconsider Ms X’s application. The Council will then make a new decision about whether Ms X is entitled to a badge.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman