The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council made false social media posts during an election period. This is because we have decided any injustice is not significant enough to justify our involvement.
The complaint
Mr X complains the Council made false social media posts during an election period. Mr X says this has caused him to lose trust in the Council’s communications.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
People may complain to us about injustice caused by ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’ by a public organisation we could investigate. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26A(1) or section 34C(1)(a)).
We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide any injustice is not significant enough to justify our involvement (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), or section 34B(8)).
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
The law means we can choose only to investigate a complaint where the person has suffered serious loss, harm, or distress as a direct result of faults or failures by the body complained about. We will not normally investigate a complaint where the alleged personal loss or injustice is not a serious or significant matter.
I recognise Mr X’s concerns, but he is not caused a level of injustice significant enough to warrant us investigating.
Final decision
We will not investigate this complaint because any injustice is not significant enough to justify our involvement.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman