Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a petition against a low traffic neighbourhood. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. It is part of a wider community campaign.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I refer to here as Mr B, has complained about how the Council has dealt with a petition against a low traffic neighbourhood near his home.

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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 effect on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start an investigation if the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by Mr B and our Assessment Code.

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Final decision

4. We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint because it is part of a wider community campaign rather than about fault causing him personal injustice.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman