Overview
The complaint was submitted to the Ombudsman by a Member of the Scottish Parliament (the MSP) on behalf of the complainant (Mr C) on 19 April 2006. Mr C raised concerns about North Lanarkshire Council's (the Council) disposal to a charitable trust (the Trust) by means of excambion (exchange) of land (the Yard) on which his lock-up garage is located.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the Council failed to inform Mr C and his neighbours about the transfer of ownership (upheld); and
- (b) Mr C and other users of the Yard were not given the opportunity to purchase or to lease the Yard with access rights (not upheld).
Redress and recommendation
The Ombudsman recommended that the Council apologise to Mr C and his neighbours for not informing them directly of the change in ownership.
The Council confirmed that they accepted that recommendation.