Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about councillors not wearing masks during a public meeting and the Council’s investigation. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. The complainant has not been caused any significant personal injustice.

The complaint

1. The complainant, Mr X, complained two councillors did not wear face masks when they attended a public meeting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Back to top

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse effect on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start an investigation if the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

Back to top

My assessment

5. The Council has responded to Mr X’s complaint. It has sent Mr X details of its councillors, but he has not been able to identify the councillors involved. The Council says it does not have the resources to pursue the matter. It says it has reminded its councillors they should wear face masks during public facing meetings.
6. I understand Mr X is concerned by the issue he has complained about. But there is no evidence it has caused him any significant personal injustice. Because of this we will not investigate his complaint.

Back to top

Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he has not been caused any significant personal injustice.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman