Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to provide Mr X with free parking at a local leisure centre. This is because there is insufficient fault to warrant an investigation.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council will not provide free parking for him at a local leisure centre.

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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. (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 Mr X and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. Mr X complained to the Council that its website advertises free parking for members but does not specify that this is only open to gym members. He said he paid for swimming lessons for his children, and he should qualify for free parking on this basis.
6. The Council explained that it offers 12 memberships and only the gym membership carried free parking as a benefit.
7. Mr X is unhappy with the Council’s decision and wants us to find it at fault. The evidence shows the Council’s website outlines the various memberships available, and the benefits attached to them. The Council has explained why Mr X is not entitled to free parking. There is no evidence of fault in the Council’s actions.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because there is insufficient fault to warrant an investigation.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman