The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of matters relating to communication sent to Ms X as a member of a local community group. This is because an investigation is unlikely to add to that already carried out by the Council or lead to a significantly different outcome.
The complaint
The complainant, who I refer to as Ms X, complains about the Council’s handling of matters concerning communication she received as an independent member of a group established to improve a Council owned local cultural amenity.
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 effect on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start an investigation if the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Ms X and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Ms X complained to the Council about its response to the complaint she had made concerning bullying she had received as a member of a group which supports a Council owned local amenity.
The Council responded to Ms X’s complaint and acknowledged she had been caused distress as a result of communication she had received in her role. As a result of her complaint, it was agreed that guidelines for the group would be reviewed to incorporate the seven Nolan principles as a Code of Conduct and that they should be given to all new group members on joining.
While it is noted Ms X is not satisfied with the outcome of her complaint to the Council, we do not investigate every complaint we receive. An investigation by the Ombudsman would be unlikely to usefully add to the Council’s own investigation or lead to a different outcome.
Final decision
We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because an investigation is unlikely to add to that already carried out by the Council or lead to a significantly different outcome.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman