Has the council done something wrong? (maladministration)

The law says the Ombudsman can investigate alleged or apparent ‘maladministration’ or service failure. This can include:

• delay
• incorrect action or failure to take any action
• failure to follow procedures or the law
• failure to provide information
• inadequate record-keeping
• failure to investigate
• failure to reply
• misleading or inaccurate statements
• inadequate liaison
• inadequate consultation
• broken promises

The Ombudsman does not usually criticise a decision which has been properly taken simply because someone disagrees with it. We will however look at the way the decision was made.

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Date Updated: 15/10/08