The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council failed to properly consult with residents about the renaming of a civic building. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
The complaint
The complainant, who I will call Mrs X, complains on behalf of a local society about the Council’s decision to rename a civic building. Mrs X says the society disagrees that the name is appropriate and says the Council did not properly consult with the public and other groups before reaching its 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 or may decide not to continue with an investigation if we decide there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
I will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council. The Council’s Statement of Community Involvement lays out how the Council should consult with residents in regard to some planning matters, but this does not include the renaming of civic buildings. It was therefore for the Council to decide who to consult with in this case. The Council consulted with staff that work in the building and with an external consultant. The name was subsequently agreed at committee. Whilst Mrs X and the society she represents strongly disagrees that the name is suitable, this does not mean the Council has done anything wrong.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman