Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about poor communication because the complaint is late and there is no good reason to investigate now.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about poor communication about planning matters in 2023.

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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 late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. Mr X complained about poor communication on a planning matter in 2023.
7. I will not investigate this complaint. It is late and there is no good reason to exercise discretion to investigate it now.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is late and there is no good reason to investigate now.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman