The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about Mr X’s contact with his children. Mr X has started court action, so we have no power to investigate the complaint.
The complaint
Mr X complains about the Council’s actions when considering Mr X’s contact with his children/ He says it withheld and redacted key safeguarding information.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We cannot investigate a complaint if someone has started court action about the matter. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6)(c), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mr X and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he has confirmed he has started court action. They matter is therefore outside our jurisdiction.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman