The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the data the Council holds about Mrs X. The Information Commissioner’s Office is better placed to consider this matter.
The complaint
Mrs X said the Council holds data about her that is not correct and that it has shared this incorrect information. She said her name has been slandered and this wrong information is affecting her ability to see a grandchild.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Ombudsman investigates complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start or may decide not to continue with an investigation if we decide there is another body better placed to consider this complaint. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mrs X complains the Council’s records wrongly state she poses a risk to children and that that it has wrongly shared this incorrect information with others.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint because the Information Commissioner’s Office is better placed to consider the matter.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman