Summary: Mr X complains about the Council’s involvement with a development company and possible losses caused to the Council. We will not investigate this complaint because this affects all or most of the population of the area.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about the Council’s involvement with a development company and possible losses caused to the Council.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate something that affects all or most of the people in a council’s area. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(7), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I have considered the comments of the complainant and the Council and the complainant has commented on the draft decision.

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What I found

4. Mr X is concerned that a development company set up by the Council is being wound up which may lead to financial losses to the Council.
5. Any losses caused to the Council would affect all or most of the people in the area. The Ombudsman cannot therefore investigate this complaint.
6. Mr X is also concerned that the Council granted planning permission to the company which may affect the value of the company’s assets. Again, this action does not affect Mr X in any significant personal way other than the possible effect upon the taxpayer and is also out of jurisdiction.

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Final decision

7. I do not intend to investigate this complaint because it affects all or most of the people of the area.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman