The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the Council’s safeguarding involvement regarding her family in 2021. The complaint is late.
The complaint
Miss X complained about the Council’s safeguarding involvement regarding her family in 2021.
Miss X said the matter caused her distress.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons. Late complaints are when someone takes more than 12 months to complain to us about something a council has done. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 26B and 34D, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the Council’s safeguarding actions in 2021. Miss X complained to the Ombudsman in August 2025. Miss X was aware of the matters complained about more than 12 months ago and the complaint is late. The law says we cannot investigate late complaints unless we decide there are good reasons.
Although Miss X explained the impact of the events on her at the time, I have not seen any good reasons she could not have complained sooner. Consequently, we will not investigate this matter.
Final decision
We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because it is late.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman