Summary: We will use our discretion not to investigate this complaint that the Council’s energy strategy is linked to modern day slavery. This is because there are other bodies better able to consider the issues.

The complaint

1. The complainant, Mr X, complains the Council’s proposed energy strategy is linked to modern day slavery. He also complains about the way the Council responded to his complaint.

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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 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 an investigation if we decide there is another body better placed to consider this complaint. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

3. It is our decision whether to start, and when to end an investigation into something the law allows us to investigate. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by Mr X. This includes email correspondence between Mr X and the Council. I also considered our Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. Mr X made comments to the Council regarding the Council’s Local Area Energy Plan. He disagrees with many of the energy proposals and says, for example, that solar panels are linked to modern day slavery. He also, for example, objects to the term solar or wind farms because he says they do not meet the definition of farms.
6. Mr X has put many points to the Council and supplied a lot of information in support of his submissions. He made Freedom of Information requests and complained about the way the Council responded to his complaint.
7. The Council provided information to Mr X and responded to his complaint. It said it is committed to taking steps to prevent modern day slavery and trafficking and would work with any relevant agency to deal with any issues that arise.
8. I will use our discretion not to start an investigation because there are other organisations better placed to deal with Mr X’s concerns. For example, he could contact the police, the Home Office or the modern day slavery helpline. In addition, while Mr X has strong views about the Council’s energy policy and provision, these are matters for the Council, councillors and other residents. It is not our role to comment on the Council’s energy policy. Further, because we will not investigate the main issue, I will not comment on the way the Council responded to the complaint.

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Final decision

9. We will use our discretion not to investigate the complaint because there are other organisations who are better placed.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman