The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the consultation process carried out by the Council for its draft town centre framework. This is because it is unlikely we could add to the Councill’s response.
The complaint
Mr X has complained on behalf of himself and other residents about the consultation process carried out by the Council for its draft town centre framework. Mr X says he had to pay to print his own leaflets to ensure residents knew about the draft and had an opportunity to comment.
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 or may decide not to continue with 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, or further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.
Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mr X and the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X says the Council failed to adequately consult residents about its draft town centre framework. He says the Council should start the consultation process again to ensure members of the public have the opportunity to comment on proposed regeneration in the area.
The Council says it carried out several initiatives to publicise the draft. It set up a platform on its website to receive comments, it promoted the consultation in its newsletter, local councillors were informed, and information was also made available for local distribution. The Council also arranged some in person events to inform residents, leaflets were distributed, and exhibition boards were displayed.
Mr X says the Council’s consultation process was not sufficient and leaflets were not delivered to residents as the Council claims. However, I am satisfied the Council did properly publicise the draft. I understand there may have been issues with the delivery of some of the leaflets. But the Council has said a second round of consultation will take place allowing residents a further opportunity to submit their views. It is unlikely an investigation by the Ombudsman could add to this response.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is unlikely an investigation by the Ombudsman could add to the Council’s response.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman