Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about a breach of the member’s code of conduct. This is because the complaint is outside the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction as the complainants are acting on behalf of a parish council.

The complaint

1. The complainants, whom I shall refer to as Councillor X and Councillor Y, have complained about the actions of a local ward councillor. They say the councillor has breached the member’s code of conduct.

Back to top

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)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

4. I have considered Councillor X and Councillor Y’s complaint and the Council’s responses. I invited Councillor X and Councillor Y to comment on a draft of this decision and have considered their comments in response.

Back to top

What I found

5. I will not investigate Councillor X and Councillor Y’s concerns about how the Council dealt with a member’s code of conduct complaint. This is because the complaint is outside of the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction.
6. The Ombudsman can only investigate complaints made by, or on behalf of, a member of the public. We cannot investigate complaints from public bodies. Councillor X and Councillor Y have complained on behalf of the parish council and therefore the matter is outside the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction.

Back to top

Final decision

7. We cannot investigate this complaint. This is because the complaint is outside the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction as Councillor X and Councillor Y are complaining on behalf of a parish council.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman