The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We are unlikely to find fault in the way the Council reached its decision to not to progress Miss X’s safeguarding complaint. So, we will not investigate.
The complaint
Miss X complains that her relative is being sexually abused. She says the Council has failed to investigate her report properly.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We investigate complaints of injustice caused by ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. I have used the word ‘fault’ to refer to these. We cannot question whether a council’s decision is right or wrong simply because the complainant disagrees with it. We must consider whether there was fault in the way the decision was reached. (Local Government Act 1974, section 34(3), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I have read the complaint information provided by Miss X and the Council’s response.
Assessment Local authorities with social services responsibilities have the lead co ordinating role for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children in their area.
The Council says that it investigated Miss X’s report as a safeguarding referral but found no reason to take it any further. It notes the Police took a similar view. And it says it will ensure further assessments are carried out on Miss X’s relative to ensure all their needs are met.
Final decision
I will not investigate as we are unlikely to find fault in the way the Council reached its decision.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman