Summary: Mr X, who was a councillor, says he was bullied by another councillor and complains about how the Council dealt with his complaint about this. The Ombudsman cannot investigate as Mr X does not complain as a member of the public. The complaint is therefore outside the Ombudsman’s legal remit.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council has not properly dealt with his complaint about a councillor who he says bullied him.

Back to top

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We can only accept complaints from members of the public or their authorised representatives. This means we cannot accept complaints from councillors complaining about something relating to their position as a councillor. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26A, as amended)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

3. I have considered what Mr X said in his complaint.

Back to top

What I found

4. Mr X says he stood down from his role as a councillor after he was bullied by another councillor. Mr X complains about the way the Council dealt with his complaint about the conduct of the councillor.

Back to top

Final decision

5. The Ombudsman cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint as it relates to his position as a councillor. The complaint is outside the Ombudsman’s legal remit as Mr X does not complain as a member of the public.

Investigator’s final decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman