The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a car parking charge. The complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. The complainant has not been caused injustice that warrants our involvement.
The complaint
The complainant, who I refer to here as Ms B, says the Council charged her too much to use a ‘Pay-to-Park’ bay. The charge did not reflect the type of car she drives.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
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)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Ms B and details of parking charges on the Council’s website. I also considered our Assessment Code.
Final decision
We will not investigate Ms B’s complaint because the charge, at most, would have been about £30. If she was overcharged, the injustice caused to her would not warrant our involvement.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman