The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate Miss X’s complaint about a report submitted to court by the Council. An absolute bar prevents us investigating matters that have formed part of court proceedings.
The complaint
Ms X sad the Council submitted a document she has now proved is fraudulent. She said this led to the separation of her family.
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 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 Ms X’s complaint because the matter she complains of concerns a document submitted to court as part of its proceedings.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman