Summary: Mr X complains that the Council failed to note that he had changed address and he received enforcement costs as a result. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because the matter has been remedied as the Council paid his costs.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains that the Council failed to note that he had changed address and he received enforcement costs as a result.

Back to top

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 a council has taken or proposes to take. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(7), as amended)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

3. I have considered the comments of the complainant and the Council.

Back to top

What I found

4. Mr X says that when he moved to a new house he emailed the Council of the date but the Council ignored this and issued a bill and enforced it to the old address.
5. The Council has now refunded his enforcement costs. I am satisfied that this is an appropriate remedy and there are no grounds to warrant investigation.

Back to top

Final decision

6. I will not investigate this complaint because the matter has been remedied.
    

Investigator’s decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman