Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an unsuccessful application for a blue badge because the Council will offer a mobility assessment.

The complaint

1. The complainant, Mrs X, disagrees with the Council’s decision to refuse her application for 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 provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we are satisfied with the actions an organisation has taken or proposes to take. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(7), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by Mrs X and the Council. I also considered our Assessment Code.

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My assessment

4. Mrs X applied for a blue badge. The Council assessed the written evidence and decided she does not qualify for a badge.
5. I asked the Council if it would offer an in-person mobility assessment. The Council agreed and will contact Mrs X about an appointment.
6. I will not start an investigation because the Council will offer an in-person mobility assessment. It is not my role to re-asses the application and I cannot decide if Mrs X is eligible for a badge. However, an in-person assessment will give the Council another opportunity to assess the application and re-consider if it thinks Mrs X is eligible for a badge.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate this complaint because the Council will offer an in-person mobility assessment.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman