The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council including Miss X’s address in court papers sent to a former partner. This is because the matter complained of is not separable from court proceedings.
The complaint
Miss X said the Council sent court papers containing her address to a former partner, placing her at risk.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We cannot investigate a complaint about the start of court action or what happened in court. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5/5A, paragraph 1/3, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Miss X’s complaint because court papers are part of court proceedings. It is therefore not separable from those proceedings
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman