The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Mayor’s Office oversight of the Metropolitan Police. This is because we do not have proper consent for Mr K to represent Ms L, but even if we did we cannot investigation the actions of any policing body in connection with the investigation or prevention of crime.
The complaint
Mr K complaints for Ms L the Mayor’s office failed properly to ensure the Metropolitan Police: acted to prevent the unlawful eviction of Ms L from rented property in 2024; enforced a court order allowing her to re-enter it a week later; investigated subsequent vandalism, burglary and theft of belongings; and investigated the alleged unlawful kidnapping of Ms L's daughters since 2023.
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) We cannot investigate a complaint if it is about action taken by or on behalf of any local policing body in connection with the investigation or prevention of crime. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5, Section 26, paragraph 2 as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and our Assessment Code.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Mr K’s complaint because: we do not have Ms L’s consent for Mr K to complain for her; and even if we had Ms L’s consent, we cannot investigate actions in the investigation or prevention of crime.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman