Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Authority did not commission research into the aging process. This is because we cannot achieve the outcome Mr X wants.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained the Authority did not commission scientific research into the aging process.
2. Mr X wants the Authority to investigate how to prevent, cease, and reverse the aging process.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. 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 do not start an investigation if we decide 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

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

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My assessment

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Authority has not commissioned research into the aging process. This is because the Ombudsman cannot instruct the Authority on how to allocate resources. The Ombudsman determines administrative fault. It is for the Authority to determine how its resources are allocated. Consequently, we will not investigate this complaint.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because we cannot achieve the outcome he wants.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman