Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s lack of responses concerning a query made under the Freedom of Information Act. This is because the Information Commissioner’s Office is best placed to consider.

The complaint

1. In summary, Mr. X says the Council has failed to respond to his request. He would like to know why his council tax has increased.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Ombudsman investigates complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We do not start or may decide not to continue with an investigation if we decide there is another body better placed to consider this complaint and we cannot achieve the outcome someone wants (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

5. We will not investigate this complaint. This is because it is reasonable for Mr X to refer the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO is the body with specific powers and expertise to investigate the Council’s responses/omissions with respect to its information rights practices.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the Information Commissioner is better placed.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman