Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council seizing his car on two occasions. The complaint is late and there is no evidence to suggest that Mr X could not have complained to us sooner.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council seized his car on two occasions after believing it was abandoned.
2. Mr X says the matter has caused him distress and financial implications. Mr X would like financial compensation and his car to be released.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. 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 has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)

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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. We will not investigate this complaint. Mr X has been aware of the matter he complained about since October 2023, and it would have been reasonable for him to have complained to us earlier. Therefore, I will not exercise my discretion to investigate this complaint.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about his car being seized. The complaint is late and there is no good reason for the delay.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman