Summary: We will not investigate Mr B’s concerns about the actions of a parish council. This is because the information does not indicate the Council was at fault for the way it responded to Mr B’s concerns and we cannot investigate complaints about parish councils.

The complaint

1. Mr B complains about various actions and decisions made by a parish council, which he has reported to the Council’s Monitoring Officer. Mr B would like the parish council to take a range of actions to put these matters right.

Back to top

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 investigate complaints about councils and certain other bodies. We cannot investigate the actions of parish and town councils. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 25 and 34(1), as amended)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by Mr B and the Council.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

Back to top

Final decision

6. The Council has told Mr B it does not have the power to investigate a complaint about the parish council, and the Monitoring Officer can only investigate a complaint relating to the code of conduct for councillors. The information does not indicate the Council was at fault for the way it responded to Mr B’s concerns. So, we will not investigate the Council’s handling of Mr B’s concerns about the parish council.
7. Also, we do not have the power to investigate complaints about parish councils. So, we cannot investigate the issues Mr B has complained about.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman