Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the conduct of Council officers. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. We cannot investigate complaints made by public bodies such as parish councils.

The complaint

1. Mr X is the chairman of a parish Council. He complains on behalf of the parish council about the conduct of two council officers who attended a parish council meeting.

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 X.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

Back to top

Final decision

6. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because he is complaining on behalf of a parish council which is a public body. We do not have the power to investigate complaints made by public bodies.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman