The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about child protection. Miss X is not a suitable representative for a child for whom she does not have parental responsibility.
The complaint
Miss X said the Council had failed to protect a young child from harm or to accept her complaint.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
We may investigate complaints made on behalf of someone else if they have given their consent. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26A(1), as amended)
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 has confirmed it does not have safeguarding concerns regarding the child about whom Miss X has complained. She does not have parental responsibility for the child. Therefore, she is not a suitable representative for the child or the child’s parents.
Final decision
We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because she is not a suitable representative for the child.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman