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 and an investigation would not add anything more to the outcome agreed.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I will refer to as Ms X, complains about the Council’s decision not to give her a Blue Badge. Ms X would like the Council to reconsider.

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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 Ms X and the Council. This includes the Council’s offer to do a face-to-face mobility assessment. I also considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

4. Ms X applied for a Blue Badge. Following the Council’s assessment, which did not include a face-to-face mobility assessment, it decided Ms X did not qualify.
5. The Council has offered to re-consider Ms X’s application and do a face-to-face mobility assessment.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman