Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised concerns that Midlothian Council (the Council) had failed to consult with the relevant community council (the Community Council) about the closure of leisure centres in the area.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that the Council did not consult adequately, and as required by the Council's Code of Conduct for the Exchange of Information, with the Community Council in relation to proposals to close two leisure centres (upheld to the extent that the Council were unable to justify their position).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council properly consider whether it is necessary to consult with community councils when taking decisions which could reasonably be viewed as matters of importance to a particular area.
The Council have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.