The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a payment plan for a Penalty Charge Notice. This is because the Authority will allow the complainant to pay the fine at the reduced rate of £65.
The complaint
The complainant, whom I refer to as Mr X, complains the Authority will not set up a payment plan for a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
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 Authority offers a resolution. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mr X and the Authority. I also considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
The Authority issued a PCN for stopping in a box junction. Mr X appealed to the tribunal. He lost the appeal in August. The tribunal said Mr X must pay £130 within 28 days. Mr X did not pay and the fine increased to £130. Mr X complained to us that the Authority would not let him pay in instalments.
In response to my enquiries the Authority said it would contact Mr X and accept payment of £65 provided Mr X paid within 14 days of the Authority’s contact.
Final decision
We will not investigate this complaint because the Authority will accept payment of £65. There is nothing more we could achieve as an outcome.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman