Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a delay in providing a replacement refuse bin. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. We do not consider that further investigation will lead to a different outcome.

The complaint

1. Ms X complains about the Council’s delay in giving her a replacement bin.

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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 Ms X and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

5. We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because the Council apologised for the delay and confirms it has provided a replacement bin. Further investigation is unlikely to lead to a different outcome.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman