Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that Mr X is unhappy that he cannot always park near his home despite him paying for a parking permit. This is because it is unlikely we will find fault by the Council.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains about the Council’s policy of suspending parking bays in his area to allow film companies to use them filming in the area. Mr X is unhappy as he pays a yearly charge to the Council for parking and wants a refund.

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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, or we cannot achieve the outcome someone wants (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.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. While I recognise Mr X is unhappy the Council sometimes imposes parking restrictions, it is entitled to do this, and Mr X’s complaint provides no indication of fault by it. Additionally, as explained by the Council in its complaint response to Mr X and as detailed in the parking permit terms and conditions, purchasing a parking permit does not guarantee a parking space. We cannot ask the Council to refund the permit cost to Mr X.
6. For these reasons, we will not investigate.

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Final decision

7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is unlikely we will find fault and we cannot achieve the outcome Mr X seeks.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman