The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate Mrs X’s complaint that the Council’s court report in a private family law case was flawed. We cannot lawfully investigate what happens at court including the content of a court report.
The complaint
Mrs X complains the Council provide a report to court, in 2021, which was flawed and failed to consider relevant information. She disagrees with the opinions of the Council’s officer. Mrs X says the Council’s actions affected the whole family and caused stress and financial loss.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
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 have considered Mrs X’s information and comments and spoke to her by telephone.
My assessment
We cannot investigate this complaint because it is outside the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction (see paragraphs 2 and 3 above). We cannot investigate what happens in court including the Council’s social worker’s assessment, opinions, and court report.
Final decision
The Ombudsman cannot investigate Mrs X’s complaint that the Council’s court report and recommendations in a private family law case was flawed. We cannot lawfully investigate what happens at court including the content of a court report.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman