Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the date of the next local election. This is because it is an issue that affects all or most of the inhabitants of the area.

The complaint

1. The complainant, Mr X, complains the Council has told him the next local election is scheduled for 2027. Mr X says this is a political move to stop people voting and from deciding who they want to run the Council.

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 something that affects all or most of the people in a council’s area. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(7), as amended)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by Mr X. I also considered our Assessment Code.

Back to top

My assessment

5. The law says we cannot investigate any complaint about an issue that affects all or most of the inhabitants of an area. The date of the next local election affects most people within the Council area so we cannot start an investigation.

Back to top

Final decision

6. We cannot investigate this complaint because it concerns a matter that affects all or most of the residents in the Council area.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman