The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate any aspect of this complaint about the Council failing to adhere to a court judgement requiring it to compensate the complainant. This is because we have no remit to intervene.
The complaint
Mr X complains about the Council’s failure to adhere to a court judgement. He would like the Council to make the £5000 payment as ordered by the court and to apologise to him.
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 if someone has started court action about the matter. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6)(c), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We cannot investigate any aspect of Mr X complaint as he has already taken the Council to court.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman