The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a failure to make alternative educational provision for Mrs X’s child. The complaint is late, and there is no good reason to exercise discretion to investigate it now.
The complaint
Mrs X said the Council failed to make alternative educational provision when her child was out of school between November 2019 and January 2021.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mrs X was aware of the matter she now complains of at the end of 2019, and the matter ended about 18 months before she approached us. I have seen no evidence that she was prevented from complaining sooner.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint because it is late and there is no good reason to exercise discretion to investigate it now.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman