Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council has committed a hate crime/incident because it displayed a book entitled ‘God is Not a White Man’ at one of its libraries. We do not have the jurisdiction to investigate alleged criminal matters.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council committed a hate crime/incident when one of its libraries displayed a book entitled ‘God is Not a White Man’.
2. Mr X says this has offended him and he has been made to feel he is unworthy because he is a white man.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
4. Hate incidents/crimes are matters for the Police to investigate. We do not have the power to investigate them.

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How I considered this complaint

5. I considered information provided by the complainant.
6. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

7. Mr X complains the Council has committed a hate crime/incident. These are matters for the Police to consider. We do not have the power to investigate alleged criminal matters.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he alleges a hate incident/crime and we do not have the jurisdiction to investigate criminal matters.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman