Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council changing the collection point for the complainant’s clinical waste bin. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. The Council has taken satisfactory action to resolve the complaint.

The complaint

1. The complainant, whom I refer to as Mr X, raised concerns about the Council’s decision to change the collection point for his clinical waste bin from his doorstep to the same point that general waste/recycling bins are collected from. In Mr X’s case, this meant he would be placing a clinical waste bin on an area of public grass at the end of his mews.
2. Mr X was concerned this could represent a danger to public health, and says it is embarrassing that his neighbours can see it.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start 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)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by Mr X, and an update from the Council.
5. I also considered our Assessment Code.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the Council has offered to revert back to collecting his clinical waste bin from his doorstep, and I consider this to be an appropriate way to resolve the complaint.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman