Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to form a Mayoral Combined Authority with another council. This is because it is a matter that affects all or most of the people in the Council’s area.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about the Council’s decision to form a Mayoral Combined Authority. Mr X says the decision will affect the population of the local area and that there is no clear mandate in place. Mr X wants the Council to hold a referendum.

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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 a council’s area. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(7), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

6. I cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint. The decision is one that affects all or most residents in the Council’s area and therefore is one that falls outside of our jurisdiction.

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Final decision

7. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is about something that affects all or most of the people in the Council’s area.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman