The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision that the complainant cannot have a parking permit. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
The complaint
The complainant, whom I refer to as Mx X, complains the Council will not issue a parking permit. They say it is hard to park, causing safety concerns at night, because the Council will not issue a permit.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Ombudsman investigates 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))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mx X and the Council. I also considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
People who live in a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) need a parking permit to park in the area. Mx X does not live in a CPZ. The Council refused Mx X’s request for a permit because they do not live in a CPZ and permits are only issued to people who live in a CPZ.
The Council is currently considering whether to introduce a CPZ in Mx X’s area. The Council will update residents when the outcome of the consultation and the final report are available.
I will not investigate this complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council. This is because Mx X does not live within a CPZ and the Council has correctly explained it cannot issue a permit. We do not act as an appeal body and we cannot intervene simply because a council makes a decision that someone disagrees with.
Final decision
We will not investigate this complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman