The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the Council’s handling of her application to the Lambeth Children’s Homes Redress Scheme because she can appeal to the Council.
The complaint
Miss X complains about the way the Council handled her application to the Lambeth Children’s Homes Redress Scheme. She says this affected its decision outcome.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We investigate 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 continue an investigation if we decide it would be reasonable for the person to ask for a council review or appeal.
(Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
The Council told Miss X she can appeal to its Independent Appeal Panel. It is reasonable for Miss X to do so.
Final decision
We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because it is reasonable for her to ask for a council appeal.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman