The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about toilet facilities at train and bus stations or private parking fines. The actions he complains about are not an administrative function of the Council.
The complaint
Mr X complains there are insufficient public toilets and waiting rooms at the train station and bus hub. Mr X also complains he has received parking fines from two private companies while parking on private land.
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 complaints about actions which are not the administrative function of a council. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(1) 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
Mr X complains there are inadequate toilet facilities at the train station and bus hub. Mr X also complains he was issued two parking fines.
The Council does not own or manage the train station or bus hub and is not responsible for the toilet facilities. The Council is also not responsible for the parking fines Mr X was issued, as the fines were issued by private companies for parking on private land.
We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because the actions complained about are not administrative functions of the Council.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because the actions complained about are not administrative functions of the Council.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman