Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of Mr X’s applications for two business grants. This is because the complaint has been made late to us and there is no evidence to suggest Mr X could not have complained to us sooner.

The complaint

Mr X complains about being turned down for two business rate relief grants in 2020 and 2021.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

1. We cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a @council/care provider has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

2. I considered the information provided by the complainant and the Council.
3. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

4. The Council responded to Mr X’s applications at the time explaining that he did not meet the criteria set by the government, so he was not eligible.
5. I will not investigate as Mr X’s complaint has been made late and there is no evidence, he could not have complained to us within 12 months of receiving the Council decisions.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because his complaint has been made late and there are no good reasons to investigate now.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman