Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to refuse Miss X’s application for a blue badge. There is not enough evidence of fault by the Council to warrant our involvement.

The complaint

1. Miss X complained the Council refused her application for a blue badge without contacting her GP for additional information.
2. Miss X said this caused her unnecessary stress.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. 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’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. Miss X applied for a blue badge due to difficulties she faces when walking. Miss X provided the Council with supporting information from medical professionals who have supported with her medical conditions.
7. The Council said it carried out a desk-based assessment, considering the information provided by Miss X but said she did not meet the criteria set out by the Department for Transport. Therefore, it declined Miss X’s application.
8. Miss X appealed the Council’s decision, providing additional information from her GP. However, the Council upheld its decision and clearly set out its reasoning for this.
9. We are not an appeals body and we cannot overturn the Council’s decision. We look at how the Council made its decision and whether there was any flaw in that decision-making. If there was no fault in the Council’s decision-making, we cannot question it.
10. I have considered all available information, alongside the relevant guidance set out by the Department for Transport. It appears the Council have acted appropriately in its consideration of Miss X’s application. Additionally, we cannot tell the Council it should contact Miss X’s GP for additional information.
11. There is not enough evidence of fault in the Council’s decision-making to warrant our involvement. Therefore, we will not investigate this complaint.

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Final decision

12. We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council to warrant our involvement.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman