The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the content of a letter for a court. This matter is not separable from the conduct of court proceedings.
The complaint
Mr X said an updated letter produced by the Council for a court has inaccuracies.
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) 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 the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because it concerns a letter for a court hearing. That is not separable from the court process.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman