Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a penalty charge notice as it has been cancelled and so further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I will call Mr X, complains about a Penalty Charge Norice (PCN) he received. Mr X said he wanted the PCN cancelled.

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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 further investigation would not lead to a different outcome. (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 the complainant and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. Since complaining to the Ombudsman, the Council has considered an appeal against the PCN from Mr X and decided to cancel it. Mr X has achieved the outcome he was seeking and therefore further investigation would not lead to a different outcome. We will not investigate this complaint for that reason.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the PCN has been cancelled and so further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman