The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about unsuccessful applications for a Blue Badge and a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. There is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.
The complaint
The complainant, Mr X, complains about the Council’s decision not to award a Blue Badge or a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass. Mr X says he is entitled to free travel.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We investigate 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 there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council. This includes the letters from the Council explaining why it cannot issue a badge or a pass. I also considered our Assessment Code.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council. This is because Mr X has not supplied the evidence the Council needs to fully assess his applications or make an award; he also declined to attend a mobility assessment.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman