Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council reducing car park spaces in its city centre and not providing enough public transport options. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council and we could not add to its previous response.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained about the Council reducing car park spaces in its city centre and not providing enough public transport options. Mr X said as a result, he had to leave his job as he found it difficult to travel to and from work. It caused Mr X frustration. He wants the Council to provide him with an apology and a letter which confirms he cannot work due to limited public transport options.

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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 could not add to any previous investigation by the organisation.

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

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My assessment

5. Mr X had a job in the city centre. He said his shifts started early or finished late. Mr X used to drive a vehicle to get to and from work. Mr X said he had to leave his job as he found it difficult to find a parking space in the city centre. He said the Council had reduced the amount of car parks in the city centre yet did not have public transport available to those who worked early and late hours.
6. In response to Mr X’s complaint, the Council:
• accepted its public transport availability was limited during the times Mr X had to start and finish work. It said it was working towards developing its transport so it was more available to people who worked different hours; and
• explained to Mr X a person’s method of transport was an individual choice based on their requirements. However, it informed Mr X of different ways of travelling to and from the city centre. It also provided Mr X with private car park spaces around the city centre.
7. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council. We recognise Mr X’s frustration however, the Council is not required to provide transport or parking to meet Mr X’s individual circumstances.
8. Furthermore, the Council acknowledged the limited public transport available during Mr X's working hours, explained it was working to improve services and provided information about alternative travel options, including private car parks. This was appropriate. We could not add to its response.

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Final decision

9. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council and we could not add to its previous response.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman