The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a Council officer allegedly sharing information about Mr X with a third party. The Information Commissioner is best placed to consider complaints about data protection.
The complaint
Mr X complained a Council officer shared information about him with a third party, placing him at risk. He said the matter caused him distress, and he wanted explanations and for the officer to be removed from the role.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We normally expect someone to refer the matter to the Information Commissioner if they have a complaint about data protection. 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
Mr X’s complaint is about a Council officer allegedly sharing information about him with a third party, which he says places him at risk. The Information Commissioner’s Office is the organisation that considers complaints about how organisations handle people’s data. In the absence of a wider complaint within our jurisdiction, there is not a good reason for us to consider the matter instead.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the Information Commissioner is best placed to consider complaints about data protection.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman