Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to give the complainant a Blue Badge. This is because the Council has changed its decision and has given the complainant a badge.

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. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word ‘fault’ to refer to these. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint. I refer to this as ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start an investigation if the Council has provided a remedy. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I read the complaint and got some information from the Council. I spoke to an officer who told me the Council has decided to give a badge to Mr X. I considered comments Mr X made in reply to a draft of this decision.

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What I found

What happened

4. Mr X applied for a Blue Badge. The Council decided he did not qualify.
5. Mr X complained to the Ombudsman. I asked the Council for some information about the application. While the Council was gathering the information it reviewed the case and decided Mr X is entitled to a badge.
6. The Council issued Mr X with a badge and apologised.

Assessment

7. I will not start an investigation because the Council given Mr X a Blue Badge. Mr X is happy with the outcome.

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Final decision

8. I will not start an investigation because the Council has given Mr X a Blue Badge.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman