The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint that the Council has committed a hate crime/incident because it displayed a book entitled ‘God is Not a White Man’ at one of its libraries. We do not have the jurisdiction to investigate alleged criminal matters.
The complaint
Mr X complains the Council committed a hate crime/incident when one of its libraries displayed a book entitled ‘God is Not a White Man’.
Mr X says this has offended him and he has been made to feel he is unworthy because he is a white man.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
Hate incidents/crimes are matters for the Police to investigate. We do not have the power to investigate them.
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X complains the Council has committed a hate crime/incident. These are matters for the Police to consider. We do not have the power to investigate alleged criminal matters.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he alleges a hate incident/crime and we do not have the jurisdiction to investigate criminal matters.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman