Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s installation of a hand rail in Mr X’s home. The complaint is late and there is no good reason to exercise discretion.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains the Council fitted a hand rail in the wrong position and left his property dirty. The Council says it fitted the rail in December 2021.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council.
4. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

5. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is late and there is no good reason to exercise discretion.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman