The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about where the Council placed Ms X’s grandchild. The matter is not separable about ongoing court action concerning the child.
The complaint
Ms X is represented by her mother, Mrs X. Mrs X said the Council placed Ms X’s grandchild in an unsafe place and that the child was at risk. She said the Council took a “backhander” from the family with whom it placed the child.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We cannot investigate a complaint about the start of court action or what happened in court. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5/5A, paragraph 1/3, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because the matter complained of is not separable from current court action concerning the child.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman