The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s response to Mr X’s request for information as it is best dealt with by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
The complaint
Mr X complained the Council refused to provide him details of councillor training records and wants this information to be supplied.
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 normally expect someone to refer the matter to the Information Commissioner if they have a complaint about a freedom of information matter. However, we may decide to investigate if we think there are good reasons. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the UK’s independent regulator set up to uphold information rights in the public interest. It is the authority that can decide whether Mr X is entitled to the information he has requested. We are not empowered to do this. As such, we will not investigate.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it is best dealt with by the ICO.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman