Summary: We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint about the Council’s refusal to issue him with a permit for a car park. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify an investigation.

The complaint

1. Mr B complains the Council has refused his request for a permit for a car park close to his home. Mr B says a new development will result in more demand for on-street parking spaces and it is not fair for the Council to only issue parking permits for this car park to local businesses.

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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 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 B and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

5. It is for the Council to decide how to manage demand for its car parks. For the car park near Mr B’s home, local businesses may apply for a day time permit. Local residents may purchase a night time permit.
6. The Council’s decision to refuse Mr B’s request for a permit was in line with its management of this car park. And, it is not our role to tell the Council it should manage this car park differently.
7. So, we will not investigate this complaint.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify an investigation.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman