The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a parking permit because the Council has provided a fair remedy.
The complaint
The complainant, whom I refer to as Mr X, complains the Council refused to renew his parking permit even though he has had one since moving into the property six years ago.
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 the Council has provided 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. I also considered our Assessment Code and invited Mr X to comment on a draft of this decision.
My assessment
Mr X moved into his home six years ago. Before buying the property he checked with the Council that he would be able to have a parking permit. Mr X has had a permit since moving in. However, when he tried to renew the permit this year he was told his home is ineligible for permits and he should never have been issued with one. Mr X says a car is essential for his job and the nearest unrestricted parking is a mile away.
In response to my enquiries the Council said it had reconsidered the case and decided Mr X can continue to have a permit for as long as he lives in the property. The Council has exempted his car from parking fines, for his zone, until the permit has been renewed.
I will not investigate this complaint because the Council has provided a fair remedy by agreeing to renew the permit and to allow this to continue for as long as Mr X lives in the property.
Final decision
We will not investigate this complaint because the Council has provided a fair remedy.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman