Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to manage a transit site for travellers. We consider further investigation will not lead to a different outcome.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains there have been significant problems with the management of a transit site. He says the site remains unsecured.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact 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 or continue an investigation if we decide further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

(Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

5. The Council has confirmed:
• The site is currently undergoing repairs and it anticipates it being operational shortly.
• A dedicated Housing Manager responsible for the site has been appointed and will be in place before the end of the year.
• A recruitment exercise for a dedicated Housing Officer for the site is ongoing: and
• A lockable bollard is being installed to replace the concrete block used to try and secure the site.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint. I understand Mr X is not satisfied with the way the site has been managed in the last few years. However, from the information I have seen I consider further investigation will not lead to a different outcome.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman