Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint from a town council about parking enforcement. This is because we cannot investigate complaints from public bodies.

The complaint

1. Mrs B complains on behalf of a town council about the Council’s handling of a parking enforcement agreement between the town council and the Council.

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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 complaints from public bodies. (Local Government Act 1974, section 27(1)(a), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by Mrs B.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. Mrs B complains on behalf of a town council. We cannot investigate complaints from public bodies such as parish and town councils. This means we cannot investigate Mrs B’s complaint and have no discretion to start an investigation.

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Final decision

7. We cannot investigate this complaint because it is from a public body.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman