Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of Miss X’s request relating to a community centre. This is because it is a late complaint and we will not exercise discretion to consider it because Miss X has not provided any good reasons why it could not have been brought to us sooner.

The complaint

1. Miss X complained about the fact she was unable to fully access a community facility and she was concerned about how it was being managed. She said this became a problem following the Covid-19 pandemic and was despite complaining to the Council since October 2023, she was unhappy her complaints were unresolved.

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 late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

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

Back to top

Final decision

5. We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because she has known about the matter for over 12 months, therefore it is a late complaint, and I have not seen any good reason to exercise discretion to consider it now.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman