Shropshire Council (24 014 736)
Category : Environment and regulation > Refuse and recycling
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 09 Dec 2024
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a charge for removal of garden waste as it affects all or most of the population of the area.
The complaint
- Mr X complains about the Council’s charge for collection of garden waste and a lack of prior notice.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- We cannot investigate something that affects all or most of the people in a council’s area. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(7), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
- I considered information provided by the complainant.
- I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
- Mr X complains that the Council imposed a charge for the collection of garden waste without consultation or notice.
- The Council points out that the charge does not form part of Council tax but is a separate charge.
- The charge affects all or most of the population and therefore is out of jurisdiction and so we cannot investigate this matter.
Final decision
- We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it affects all or most of the population.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman