Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s decision not to take enforcement action against motor vehicles blocking a footpath or its response to his complaint. This is because Mr X was not caused a significant injustice.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained the Council failed to take enforcement action against motor vehicles blocking a footpath. Mr X also said the Council gave him inaccurate information in its complaint response about enforcement action it can take.
2. Mr X said the matter caused him frustration and said he frequently walks on pavement obstructed by parked vehicles.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. 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

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

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My assessment

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint. This is because Mr X’s claimed injustice is not significant enough to warrant an investigation by the Ombudsman.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the claimed injustice is not significant enough to warrant an investigation.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman