Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to increase the cost of parking permit charges because there is insufficient evidence of fault in the Council’s actions.

The complaint

1. Mr Y complains about the Council’s decision to increase the cost of parking permit charges. He says he was not notified of this change, and that it has caused him financial pressure.

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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 there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating. (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 Y and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. Mr Y complained to the Council about its decision to increase the cost of parking permit charges. The Council explained that the decision to set fees and charges is a Cabinet-approved policy matter under its Constitution. It explained that the decision was made in line with the Council’s Green Agenda to manage and reduce vehicular pollution.
6. Mr Y says the Council did not directly inform him of this change. The Council explained it published notices in local press which is a statutory requirement. The law does not require the Council to directly approach individual residents about such changes. I am satisfied the Council publicised the proposed changes as required.
7. There is insufficient evidence of fault in the Council’s actions, therefore we will not investigate this complaint
8. Mr Y has also complained about the Council’s complaint handling. However, where the Ombudsman has decided not to investigate the substantive issues complained about, we will not usually use public resources to consider more minor matters such as complaint handling.

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Final decision

9. We will not investigate Mr Y’s complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault in the Council’s actions to warrant an investigation by the Ombudsman. Investigator’s decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman