Summary: The Ombudsman cannot investigate this complaint about how the Authority has considered the complainant’s evidence on an environment issue. It is about something that would affect all or most of the people of Greater London.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I refer to here as Mr B, has complained the Authority has not properly considered evidence he has presented regarding an environmental issue. In essence, he says this will lead to worsening environmental conditions within Greater London.

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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 cannot investigate something that affects all or most of the people in an authority’s area. We have no discretion in this. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(7), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I have considered what Mr B said in his complaint.

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What I found

5. I consider the matter Mr B complains about would affect all or most of the people of Greater London.

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Final decision

6. I have decided we cannot investigate this complaint because of the legal restriction I describe in paragraph 3.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman