Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about delays in issuing a business rates refund. We are satisfied with the actions the Council has taken to address the matter.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained, on behalf of his clients, that the Council delayed in issuing a business rate refund.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word fault to refer to these. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start an investigation if we are satisfied with the actions an organisation has taken or proposes to take. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(7), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

4. In response to our enquiries, the Council confirmed it had now issued the refund. With reference to paragraph 2 above, I am satisfied this was an appropriate way to address the complaint, so the Ombudsman will not start an investigation.

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Final decision

5. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because we are satisfied with the actions the Council has already taken to address the matter.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman