Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about a planning issue because it has been made by a town council. We cannot investigate complaints made by public bodies.

The complaint

1. Mr B complains on behalf of a town council about the Council’s handling of planning matters relating to a proposed development.

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

My assessment

6. This complaint has been made by a town council which is a public body. We cannot investigate complaints made by public bodies. This means we cannot investigate this complaint and have no discretion to start an investigation.

Back to top

Final decision

7. We cannot investigate this complaint because it has been made by a public body.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman