Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council not investigating planning breaches reported by a parish council. This is because we cannot investigate complaints from public bodies such as parish councils.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I will refer to as Mr B, complains on behalf of a parish council. Mr B says the Council has failed to investigate and take enforcement action about numerous breaches of planning control which the parish council has reported.

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 cannot investigate complaints from public bodies. (Local Government Act 1974, section 27(1)(a), as amended)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

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

Back to top

Final decision

6. We cannot investigate Mr B’s complaint because he is complaining on behalf of a parish council, which is a public body. We cannot investigate complaints from public bodies.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman