Summary: We will use our discretion not to investigate this complaint about an unsuccessful application for a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass because the complainant now has a pass.

The complaint

1. The complainant, Ms X, complains the Council refused her application for a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate 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’. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))
3. It is our decision whether to start, and when to end an investigation into something the law allows us to investigate. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by Ms X and the Council. This includes an update from Ms X and the Council. I also considered our Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. Ms X complained the Council refused her application for a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass.
6. Since making her complaint to us, Ms X submitted a new application to the Council. The Council approved the application. The Council says Ms X provided different evidence with the new application. Ms X has confirmed she now has a pass.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate this complaint because Ms X now has a pass.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman