Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of highway improvement works. This is because any injustice is not significant enough to justify our involvement.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council scheduled highway improvement works in two locations on the same day. Mr X says this caused him frustration and delayed his journey. He would like the Council to review its management of works.

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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 any injustice is not significant enough to justify our involvement (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 acknowledges highway improvement works can be frustrating for residents. I do not consider the frustration Mr X experienced or the delay to his journey as significant enough to justify investigating these matters further.
6. Mr X also says he witnessed other drivers committing driving infringements. The Council advised Mr X driving infringements are a police matter.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because any injustice is not significant enough to justify our involvement.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman