Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about how the Council considered and publicised information about the COVID-19 vaccines. There is insufficient evidence of fault or injustice to warrant an investigation by the Ombudsman.

The complaint

1. Mrs X complained the Council failed to consider and publicise recent safety information about the COVID-19 vaccines as part of its public health duties. Mrs X says the matter caused her frustration.

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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 effect 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 an investigation if we decide the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaints about how the Council considered or publicised safety information about the COVID-19 vaccines. There is insufficient evidence of fault, and Mrs X has not been caused a significant personal injustice. The matters complained about do not warrant an investigation by the Ombudsman.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault or injustice to warrant an investigation by the Ombudsman.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman