Summary: The Ombudsman cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about the way he has been treated in his role as a councillor and how the Council considered his complaint about this. Mr X does not complain as a member of the public and so the complaint is outside the Ombudsman’s legal remit.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about the way he has been treated in his role as a councillor and the Council’s consideration of his complaint about this.

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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)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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What I found

4. Mr X complains about the way he has been treated in his role a s a councillor, by fellow councillors, and the Council’s consideration of his complaint about this.
5. Mr X complains the Council has been dismissive of his complaint.

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Final decision

6. My decision is that the Ombudsman cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint as it relates to his position as a councillor not as a member of the public. The complaint is therefore outside the Ombudsman’s legal remit.

Investigator’s final decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman