Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an error when issuing a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). The complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. The Council has cancelled the PCN which is a suitable remedy.

The complaint

1. The complainant says the Council failed to follow the correct process when it issued a PCN.

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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 effect on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start an investigation if the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A (6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by the complainant.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

5. We will not investigate this complaint because the Council has cancelled the PCN which is a suitable remedy.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman