The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about issues related to the care of looked after children. There are no good reasons why the late complaint rule should not apply.
The complaint
The complainant, whom I shall call Ms X, complains about issues relating to her children whom the Council care for.
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 Ms X and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Ms X’s children are cared for by the Council under a court Care Order. The Court last considered the case in November 2020. Ms X complained to the Council in May 2021 about matters related to the care of her children and contact with the family. The Council replied to that complaint in July 2021.
Ms X complained to us in August 2022 about the same issues.
Ms X has not pursued her complaint within 12 months of the Council’s response.
Final decision
We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint because there are no good reasons why the late complaint rule should not apply.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman