The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the information on the Council’s electoral canvassing form. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault to warrant our involvement.
The complaint
Mr X says that the Council’s electoral canvassing forms did not specify the legal basis on which he was supposed to respond. He feels that the Council has not been transparent enough.
Mr X also said the forms should contain additional explanatory information.
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 or continue 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.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X complains that the Council’s electoral letters and forms should state the legal reason why he should respond and provide information to the Council.
He also said that the Council’s electoral canvassing form should contain explanatory information.
Whilst I note Mr X’s concerns, I note that the Council have already explained to him that it is not required to include explanatory information on their electoral canvassing forms. I can also see that the Council has signposted Mr X to where the relevant legal information is readily accessible on its website.
I have therefore not seen enough evidence of fault with the Council's actions to warrant an investigation by us. The Council has clearly explained why it does not include explanatory information on its canvassing forms and where Mr X can access the information if he wants to view it.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because there is not enough evidence of fault to warrant our involvement.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman