Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the actions of the Council and a local councillor concerning the installation of some street furniture. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. There is insufficient injustice caused to Mr X to warrant our involvement and the use of public money.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I refer to as Mr X, complains about the actions of the Council and a local councillor in connection with the installation of some street furniture in his locale.

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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 effect on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start an investigation if the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I spoke to Mr X and considered information provided by him and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

5. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. There is insufficient injustice caused to Mr X to warrant our involvement and the use of public money.

Investigator’s decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman