The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will use our discretion not to investigate this complaint about an unsuccessful application for a blue badge. This is because the Council will offer a face to face mobility assessment.
The complaint
The complainant, Ms X, disagrees with the Council’s decision not to award a blue badge. She says she can only walk slowly and painfully and is at risk of falls.
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’. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B)) It is our decision whether to start, and when to end an investigation into something the law allows us to investigate. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Ms X and the Council. This includes an update from the Council. I also considered our Assessment Code.
My assessment
Ms X applied for a blue badge. The Council assessed the application on the papers and decided she does not qualify.
I asked the Council to offer a face to face mobility assessment. The Council agreed and will contact Ms X about the arrangements.
This is a fair way to close the complaint. It will give Ms X another opportunity to explain and demonstrate her walking issues, and it will give the Council the chance to observe Ms X’s mobility.
Final decision
We will not investigate this complaint because the Council will offer an in-person mobility assessment.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman