The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to remove Miss X’s grandchild from her daughter’s care. The matters complained of are not separable from the decision of a court.
The complaint
Miss X said the Council didn’t provide reasons as to why certain issues were not looked into when it decided her grandchild should be removed from her daughter’s care.
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.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
A court decided where Miss X’s grandchild should live.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Miss X’s complaint because the matters complained of are not separable from those that were or should have been before a court.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman