The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Mr X’s Blue Badge application because there is not enough evidence of fault to justify an investigation.
The complaint
Mr X complains the Council has not considered his medical evidence when making its decision to refuse his Blue Badge application.
Mr X says he struggles with his mobility and would like the Council to issue a Blue Badge to allow him more autonomy.
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 the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X applied for a Blue Badge. The Council used an independent healthcare professional to carry out an in person assessment of Mr X’s mobility.
The Council wrote to Mr X to explain that having considered his medical evidence and the assessment of his mobility, it had decided he was not eligible for a Blue Badge as he did not meet the Department of Transport’s eligibility criteria.
Mr X asked the Council to review the decision and provided more information. The Council carried out the review and explained that although it had considered the request for a review and supporting evidence, this did not change its decision.
The Council has considered Mr X’s application against Government criteria, carried out an in person assessment and allowed Mr X the opportunity to provide further information before giving its final response on the matter.
Although Mr X disagrees with the Council’s decision, I have not seen any evidence of fault in the way the Council has reached its decision.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because there is not enough evidence of fault to warrant an investigation.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman