The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the school admissions process. The Council has offered a fresh appeal and it is unlikely an investigation would achieve anything more.
The complaint
The complainant, whom I shall refer to as Mr X, complained about the handling of his school admission appeal. Mr X said the Council wrongly advised him not to appeal for the previous academic year. Mr X says there has been a change in his circumstances, but the Council has refused to offer a fresh appeal.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we believe it is unlikely further investigation will lead to a different outcome. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint. This is because in response to the Ombudsman’s enquiries the Council agreed to offer a fresh appeal. An investigation would be unlikely to achieve anything more.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman