Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint from a town council about a planning enforcement matter. This is because we cannot investigate complaints from public bodies such as town councils.

The complaint

1. Mrs B complains on behalf of a town council about the Council’s decision not to take planning enforcement action about changes to a business premises.

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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 complaints from public bodies. (Local Government Act 1974, section 27(1)(a), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

6. Mrs B is complaining on behalf of a town council. We cannot investigate complaints made by public bodies, such as parish and town councils. This means we have no discretion to investigate Mrs B’s complaint.

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Final decision

7. We cannot investigate this complaint because it is from a public body.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman