Summary: We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint the Council refused to remove a street decoration. This is because the action was taken by a body outside our jurisdiction.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council has not removed a street decoration as he wishes. He says it causes him stress and is a health issue for his son. He would like the Council to remove or redesign the decoration.

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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 investigate complaints about councils and certain other bodies. We cannot investigate the actions of bodies such as Parish or Town Councils if it is not acting on behalf of another Council. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 25 and 34(1), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by the Mr X and the Council.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. A local community group added a street decoration to Mr X’s street. There is no information to suggest it was added by or on behalf of the Council.
7. I cannot investigate because the actions of the community group are outside our jurisdiction.

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Final decision

8. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because it concerns a body outside our jurisdiction.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman