The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s actions regarding Mrs X’s mother prior to her death. This is because there is an ongoing Domestic Homicide Review which will consider the Council’s actions and it would not be appropriate for us to investigate as the same time.
The complaint
Mrs X complains the Council failed to protect her mother from harm in the time leading up to her death.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Ombudsman investigates 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 may decide not to continue with an investigation if we decide there is another body better placed to consider this complaint. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
There is a Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) being carried out involving a number of agencies including the Council. The Council has said it will put forward issues raised by Mrs X to the DHR. Family members are normally involved in the DHR as well.
It would not be appropriate for us to investigate this complaint whilst the DHR is ongoing. The DHR is best placed to consider whether the actions of the Council contributed to Mrs X’s death and can also consider the input of other agencies such as the police which we are unable to do. Therefore we will not investigate this complaint.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint because the Domestic Homicide Review is best placed to consider her concerns.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman