Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about a housing enforcement fine as it was issued by a court and we therefore have no legal remit to become involved.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council had no valid reason to fine him in respect of a housing enforcement issue and that its recovery of the fine has caused him psychological pressure. Mr X wants the Council to cancel the fine.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
3. We cannot investigate a complaint about the start of court action or what happened in court. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5/5A, paragraph 1/3, 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. In 2019, Mr X was found guilty of a housing offence by a Magistrates’ Court and fined.
7. We cannot investigate as we have no remit to investigate what took place in, or decisions of, the courts.

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Final decision

8. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about a court fine as it is not within our remit to do so.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman