The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about a person he says works at the Council. This is because the complaint is about the actions of an individual and is not about the administrative functions of the Council.
The complaint
Mr X complains he was harmed by a person he says works for the Council.
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 and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr X complains that an individual has been causing him harm. We cannot investigate this complaint because it is not about the administrative functions of the Council. It is a complaint about an individual and the actions complained of are not linked to any administrative function of the Council.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint as it concerns the actions of an individual and is not about the administrative functions of the Council.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman