The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about an unsuccessful Blue Badge application. This is because the Council will reconsider the application and do a face-to-face mobility assessment.
The complaint
The complainant, whom I refer to as Mrs X, complains about an unsuccessful Blue Badge application. She says the Council ignored her medical conditions and did not do an in-person assessment. Mrs X wants the Council to review the decision.
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 Mrs X and the Council. This includes her application and medical evidence. I also considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mrs X has physical and medical health conditions. She is on a waiting list to receive an assessment and support. Mrs X applied for a Blue Badge. The Council mainly considered Mrs X’s mental health and decided she does not qualify for a badge. In part this was because she had not provided current medical evidence. The assessor recommended that Mrs X have a face-to-face mobility assessment but that did not take place.
I asked the Council to carry out an in-person mobility assessment. The Council agreed and will contact Mrs X about an appointment.
I will not investigate this complaint because the Council will review the application and do a face-to-face mobility assessment. This will give Mrs X another chance to provide information about the impact on her mobility of her mental health condition and the Council can assess how her physical problems affect her walking. In addition, we have no power to award a badge and cannot decide if Mrs X is eligible for a badge – that is the job of the Council.
Final decision
We will not investigate this complaint because the Council will reconsider the application and do an in-person mobility assessment.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman