Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to reduce the frequency of grass cutting. This is because it is unlikely we would find fault and there is no significant injustice.

The complaint

1. Miss X complained the Council reduced grass cutting, leaving parts of a local park overgrown. She said this had negative impact on accessibility, appearance and usability for residents. Miss X wanted Council to engage with local community about park management.

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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 impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide:

• there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating, or
• any injustice is not significant enough to justify our involvement,

(Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

5. Miss X said the Council failed to engage with the local community before enacting its policy to reduce grass cutting.
6. The Council says the reduced grass cutting is part of a biodiversity initiative. It has published information explanation its approach and stated it adjusted mowing patterns based on feedback from residents and councillors. It also provides a interactive map showing where cutting will take place and invites ongoing public comments. It is unlikely we would find in how the Council approached this decision.
7. Additionally, our role is to consider complaints where the person bringing the complaint has suffered significant personal injustice as a direct result of the actions or inactions of the organisation. This means we will normally only investigate a complaint where the complainant has suffered serious loss, harm, or distress as a direct result of faults or failures. We will not normally investigate a complaint where the alleged loss or injustice is not a serious or significant matter. I am not satisfied Miss X has suffered a significant injustice.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because it is unlikely we would find fault and there is no significant injustice.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman