Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about parking issues. This is because there is no sign of fault by the Council.

The complaint

1. The complainant, Mrs X, complains that despite having a resident’s parking permit she is often unable to find an available parking space.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. 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 do not start an investigation if we decide the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)
3. We do not start an investigation if we decide there is not enough evidence of fault to justify investigating. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
5. I considered the Council’s Resident Parking Permit’s Terms and Conditions.
6. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

7. Mrs X complained to the Council that despite having a resident parking permit she is usually unable to find an available parking space. Mrs X explained this was impacting her health and she sometimes uses alternative transport because she is worried about using her car and losing her parking space. Under a previous parking scheme Mrs X was able to park in a Council car park. However this ended in early 2024.
8. The Council acknowledged the difficulties Mrs X was experiencing in finding a parking spot, but explained that having a resident parking permit does not guarantee a parking space. It suggested alternative parking arrangements available via a Flexi Stay permit, Short Stay permit and areas with free overnight parking. It also confirmed it is due to start a review of its current provision of residents parking schemes. This will include reviewing whether they are fit for purpose and how they might be improved.
9. We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint. This is because there is no sign of fault by the Council here. The Council’s resident parking permit’s terms and conditions state the permit does not guarantee the availability of a parking space. Mrs X’s difficulties are not caused by any fault by the Council but are due to the location’s high level of demand for parking from both residents and visitors. The Council has informed Mrs X of the available parking alternatives. There is nothing further we could add.

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Final decision

10. We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint because there is no sign of fault by the Council.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman