The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with the complainants concerns about the website and communications of a private company. This is because the issues complained about are not the responsibility of the Council.
The complaint
The complainant, who I will call Mr X, complains about the website and communications of a private company. He says the companies website and contact forms do not work properly meaning it is difficult to communicate concerns about the product they produce. Mr X also complains about how the Council dealt with his complaints about these matters.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
We cannot investigate a complaint where the body complained about is not responsible for the issue being raised. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(1), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
I cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about the website and communications of a private company. This is because these are not the responsibility of the Council, and the matters are therefore out of our jurisdiction.
I will not investigate how the Council dealt with Mr X’s complaints about these matters. This is because it is not a good use of public funds to investigate complaint handling, when we cannot or will not investigate the substance of the complaint.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the issues complained about are not the responsibility of the Council.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman