The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about the organisation of a parish poll as this was not the responsibility of the Council and is outside our remit.
The complaint
Mr X complains about the organisation of a parish poll, and the time residents had to wait to vote. Mr X wants the poll to be re-held as he feels people were dissuaded from voting due to the long wait times.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
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
When organising elections/polls, Returning Officers work in an independent capacity and not on behalf of the local authority that they may be employed by. We have no remit to investigate Returning Officers when acting in this role and so we cannot investigate how this poll was organised.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is not within our remit.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman