The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an unsuccessful application for a Blue Badge. This is because the Council will do a face-to-face mobility assessment.
The complaint
The complainant, whom I refer to as Mr X, complains the Council refused his application for a Blue Badge. Mr X does not think the Council considered his application fairly because it only did a telephone assessment.
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 the Council offers a fair remedy. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council. This includes the Council’s offer to do an in-person mobility assessment. I also considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X applied for a Blue Badge. The Council considered the application and did a telephone mobility assessment. The Council decided not to award a badge.
The Council has agreed to reconsider the application and do an in-person mobility assessment. This is a fair way to settle the complaint as it gives the Council the opportunity to assess the application in more depth and we do not have the power to award a badge.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the Council will do an in-person mobility assessment.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman