The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about what a social worker wrote in a statement for a court. The matter complained of is not separable from court proceedings.
The complaint
Miss X said a social worker made an untrue statement, leading to a court decision based on untrue information. She wanted the social worker to be made to change the statement.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
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 considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Miss X’s complaint because the social worker’s statement is not separable from court action.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman