The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about conclusions made by the coroner into the cause of death of Miss X’s partner. Coroners are not employees of the Council and therefore its actions are not administrative functions of the Council.
The complaint
The complainant, who I will call Miss X, complains about the conclusions that the coroner made about her partners cause of death. Miss X would like a review of the coroners conclusion or for an inquest to take place.
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 where the body complained about is not responsible for the issue being raised. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(1), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Coroners are judicial office holders and not employees of the Council. Coroners’ decisions can only be challenged by way of judicial review. Therefore, we cannot investigate the coroners’ conclusions reached into Miss X’s partner’s cause of death. Also, if Miss X wishes to complain about other aspects of the Coroner’s conduct, she could make a complaint to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office.
Final decision
We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because the actions of the coroner are not administrative functions of the Council.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman