The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about a housing enforcement fine as it was issued by a court and we therefore have no legal remit to become involved.
The complaint
Mr X complains the Council had no valid reason to fine him in respect of a housing enforcement issue and that its recovery of the fine has caused him psychological pressure. Mr X wants the Council to cancel the fine.
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 about the start of court action or what happened in court. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5/5A, paragraph 1/3, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
In 2019, Mr X was found guilty of a housing offence by a Magistrates’ Court and fined.
We cannot investigate as we have no remit to investigate what took place in, or decisions of, the courts.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about a court fine as it is not within our remit to do so.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman