London Borough of Ealing (23 008 925)
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: Mr F complained about the Council’s decision his daughter, G, is no longer eligible for home to school transport. I have ended my investigation as it appears G is now able to travel independently and Mr F no longer wishes to pursue his complaint.
The complaint
- Mr F complained about the Council’s decision his daughter, G, is no longer eligible for home to school transport.
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, or
- further investigation would not lead to a different outcome.
(Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))
How I considered this complaint
- I have considered information provided by Mr F and the Council, including all the papers from Mr F’s transport application and appeals. I invited Mr F and the Council to comment on my draft decision.
What I found
- Mr F’s daughter, G, attends a local secondary school. The Council asked Mr F to re-apply for G’s home to school transport. Mr F completed the Council’s online school travel assessment form for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
- Mr F’s application was unsuccessful. The Council said that it was not required to provide transport as he lived less than three miles from the school. The Council said there was free transport available from Transport for London which G could use. The Council said it was a parent’s responsibility to accompany G if she could not travel independently.
- Mr F appealed the Council’s decision at both stages of the Council’s appeals process. His appeals were unsuccessful. The Council suggested independent travel training for G.
- Unhappy with the outcome, Mr F complained to the Ombudsman.
- Shortly after I began my investigation, the Council wrote to say it understood G had successfully completed independent travel training. I contacted Mr F to ask for his views, but I did not hear from him.
Final decision
- I have ended my investigation without making any findings. It appears G is now able to travel independently and Mr F no longer wishes to pursue his complaint.
Investigator’s decision on behalf of the Ombudsman
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman